With the large number of Jerusalem artichoke varieties on the market, deciding on the right variety is not easy. Which breeds are best suited for which purpose? An introduction to different varieties for growing in the garden.
Which Jerusalem artichoke varieties for different purposes?
Popular Jerusalem artichoke varieties for the kitchen are Gute Gelbe, Topstar, Bianka and Topianka. Tall-growing varieties for privacy protection such as red zone ball, forest spindle and tobianca are ideal. Red zone balls or forest spindles are suitable for making schnapps.
Bulb, shrub, flower – what is important?
If you want to grow Jerusalem artichokes in the garden, you need to decide what the plants will be used for. Would you like to use a lot of tubers in the kitchen, should the Jerusalem artichoke serve as a privacy screen or would you like to make your own fruit schnapps?
The most famous varieties
The best-known varieties of Jerusalem artichoke include:the early-ripening varieties:
- Topstar
- Bianka
and the medium to late ripening varieties:
- Good Yellows
- Red zone ball
- Forest Spindle
- Violet de Rennes
- Topianka
Use in the kitchen, as garden decoration or for making schnapps
Large, smooth tubers are best for use in the kitchen. They are the easiest to clean and peel. Some varieties can be harvested early, others ripen late. The color of the tubers is red or yellow depending on the variety.
Varieties that are suitable for consumption are Gute Gelbe, Topstar, Bianka and Topianka, which form yellow tubers. If you prefer red tubers, Violet de Rennes is the right choice.
Greenery for fences or as a privacy screen
Tall-growing varieties with lots of yellow flowers are the best choice for greening fences or unsightly corners in the garden. Growing Jerusalem artichokes is also recommended as a privacy screen around the terrace or on the street.
The Jerusalem artichoke varieties that form tall foliage and thus offer good privacy protection include red zone ball, forest spindle and topianka.
Make Obstler from Jerusalem Artichokes
If you want to make your own liquor from the tubers, choose varieties that were specially bred for the distillery. By the way, Jerusalem artichoke schnapps is one of the fruit flavors.
To burn, plant Red Zone Ball or Forest Spindle in the garden.
Tips & Tricks
Jerusalem artichoke is not only popular as a side dish on the human diet. Your small animals, sheep and even horses also like the tubers. Plant Jerusalem artichoke varieties that produce lots of tubers and enrich the diet of your four-legged family members.
