ROOTIN' AROUND

There are many more root crops to grow than just the popular carrots and parsnips. Emma Rawlings takes a look at some more unusual ones to try

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JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES

Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) are a relative of the sunflower and, as you would expect, grow very tall. Stems can reach up to 3m/10ft and are topped by small, sunflower-like yellow flowers. Below ground they produce small, edible tubers that can be harvested at the end of the growing season in autumn. Unlike sunflowers, Jerusalem artichokes are fully hardy, so some tubers can be left in the ground and will overwinter and re-sprout the following year. In fact, once you have some Jerusalem artichokes, you will have them for years, as getting all the tubers out of the ground is almost impossible!

There are a few varieties you can grow including ‘Fuseau’, which is a popular variety with smooth-skinned tubers. You can also get a red skinned form called ‘Papas’. Jerusalem artichoke plants make a good screen, so they could be grown at the end of a plot or dividing up an area. A more dwarf variety, which grows to about 1.2m (4ft), is ‘Dwarf Sunray’. The tubers are planted about 15cm (6in) deep and 30cm (1ft) apart. Obviously you need to find a spot where you are happy for the plant to grow for a few years. You could also plant into containers if you want to manage the spread. Use a large container, at least 45cm (18in) in diameter.

When you harvest you can expect about 10 tubers per plant. Just dig up a plant or two using a fork. It is worth noting that Jerusalem artichokes can cause digestive issues for some people, so if you're trying for the first time, only have a small amount.

EDIBLE DAHLIAS