The Jerusalem artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke is one of the common names by which this tuber is known, whose scientific name is Helianthus Tuberosus , of simple cultivation and with properties that serve it for medicinal use and in gastronomy.
The Jerusalem artichoke is native to North America and belongs to the Asteraceae family and then we will learn a little more about its care, cultivation and characteristics.
Index
- 1 Jerusalem artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke crop
- 2 Characteristics of the Tupinambo or Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke cultivation
It is said that the cultivation of these tubers is very simple , since it is a plant that is capable of growing in adverse climatic conditions and soils with few nutrients, however its yield is clearly very precarious.
A crop can be started starting from the whole roots or in pieces, which are provided with at least two buds so that the shoots can be given , this being the easiest and fastest way; You can also start the crop with seeds, the process of which can take around two years for the buds to start.
In both cases the quality of the soil, fertilization , etc., will be paramount.
Preferably and for the crops to be optimal, the soil must be permeable and loose to prevent water from stagnating, it must also be rich in nutrients or otherwise fertilizers must be supplied to the soil; If the flowering does not coincide with the rainy season, the plant should be watered to help achieve maximum productivity.
The Jerusalem artichoke or Jerusalem artichoke grows very well in temperate climates ; however, and even when their external part is covered with frost, the tubers can very well withstand low temperatures of up to -15º centigrade.
It is important to control the growth of weeds , generally a herbicide should be applied before starting the crop and once the plants are born, the procedure is repeated.
As the plant demands high amounts of nutrients for optimum performance, a compound fertilizer must be applied.
This plant requires wide spaces for its cultivation , since it multiplies by spontaneous division of its tubers, if they do not have enough space, flowering will not be productive.
We have already said that one of the main contributions that should be provided to the plant is quality and abundant fertilizer ; in itself it does not need more care beyond being careful to cut the stems at the beginning of autumn, in summer apply constant risks without excesses so as not to flood the soil because it harms the plant and keep the weeds at bay, although the plant He defends this very well.
Characteristics of the Tupinambo or Jerusalem Artichoke
The plant reaches a height of up to two meters in its mature stage, the stems are rigid, the leaves are oval and toothed, the tubers are usually white, purple or red , they measure between 7 and 10 centimeters long by 3 to 5 centimeters wide.
The plant generates a wonderful flower of a very bright yellow color , in the form of clusters, very similar indeed to the popular daisies; they occur in the fall although there are regions of Europe where the Jerusalem artichoke does not bloom.
As this plant grows wild, another of its characteristics is that its tubers multiply naturally and thus the crop expands as much as the space around it allows; therefore it is located among the perennials.
In fact, the Jerusalem artichoke is recognized as an invader due to its ability to multiply rapidly and take root in large spaces in the soil in a short time; In any case, it is recommended that the space for its cultivation be limited , dedicating a small and well-defined space to it in the garden.
Jerusalem artichoke is also known for its diuretic and aphrodisiac properties, as a great tonic and is applied in treatments for diabetes and rheumatism.
