Waldspindel

Season Overview

Description

Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) belong botanically to the Asteraceae family. The inflorescences resemble those of a sunflower. An old variety from Switzerland. Topinambur Waldspindel is a purple variety with light-colored flesh. The plant forms pink-purple spindle-shaped tubers 15 cm long. It is very productive in its tuber formation. The spicy taste goes well in a casserole together with carrots, leeks and potatoes. A clear brandy is made from Waldspindel.

Growing tips

Jerusalem artichoke is normally cultivated as an annual. It is undemanding and does not make any great demands on its location, although it can also be grown in nutrient-poor soils. It follows crops that leave loose soil very well in the crop rotation. Waterlogging should be avoided. Although Jerusalem artichoke prefers sunny locations, it is equally at home in partial shade. During very early planting, the young Jerusalem artichoke plants can be covered with fleece to speed up sprouting. The tubers are placed at a depth of 10 to 12 cm. In principle, the same cultivation technique can be used as for potatoes. This means that the rows are mounded up to accelerate tuber sprouting and make it easier to harvest the tubers later. When the leaves fall off (collapse), the tubers are ready for harvesting. For harvesting, the tubers are pulled out of the ground by the stem or carefully dug up with a garden shovel. Jerusalem artichoke tubers are extremely hardy and can withstand even severe frosts in the ground. It is therefore also possible to overwinter them and harvest them the following spring (before new shoots appear!). The soil should be covered with straw or leaves in order to be able to harvest even in frosty weather. Jerusalem artichokes can be grown in the same location for several years.

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Seeding distance

60 cm

Row spacing

50 cm

Seeding depth

10 cm