Jerusalem artichoke is not only a very easy-care and hardy plant. You can harvest the tubers almost all year round, even on frost-free winter days. By digging up the tubers regularly, you can prevent uncontrolled spreading.
When and how should you harvest Jerusalem artichokes?
Answer: Jerusalem artichoke's main harvest time is in autumn. Harvest the tubers by pulling them out by the stem or loosening the soil with a digging fork. Leave one tuber per plant in the ground for the next growing season.
Main harvest time is autumn
Depending on the Jerusalem artichoke variety, the main harvest season begins at the end of August and lasts until late autumn. During this time the tubers are particularly plump and develop their delicate aroma best.
It is advisable to harvest more frequently, especially with large stocks. This will prevent the plants from forming too many tubers that will spread throughout the garden.
The only time you shouldn't harvest Jerusalem artichokes is the dry mid-summer. The tubers contract in dry conditions. They become wrinkled and lose their aroma. As long as the ground is not frozen, you can also harvest in winter.
Harvesting Jerusalem artichokes - this is how it's done
The tubers can be harvested just like potatoes. Simply pull them out of the ground by the stem.
If the soil is very heavy, dig up the tubers. To do this, use the digging fork (€139.00 on Amazon) to pierce the ground at least 20 centimeters away from the plant. Use leverage to loosen the soil and simply remove the Jerusalem artichoke from the ground.
Place a tuber from each plant back in the ground. Plant them up to 15 centimeters deep. The tubers will sprout again next spring and multiply on their own. This will ensure that you will also be able to harvest Jerusalem artichokes from your own garden next year.
Harvest tips summarized
- Main harvest time autumn
- Harvest possible all year round
- Pull Jerusalem artichoke out by the stem
- Alternatively, loosen the soil with the digging fork
- Leave one tuber per plant in the ground
The harvest was too rich – what now?
The tubers only last a few days in the refrigerator. If you have harvested too much, keep Jerusalem artichokes wrapped in sand. It lasts like this for three months. You can also freeze the tubers.
Tips & Tricks
To get a rich harvest, you should cut off the Jerusalem artichoke flowers in summer. This stimulates tuber formation.
