Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) are tubers, like
potatoes, but they have a totally different flavour, and are a
lot less popular than potatoes. In spite of the fact that they
are called “artichokes”, they are not related to Chinese
artichokes (which are also knobbly tubers) or globe artichokes
(which are essentially edible flowers). Jerusalem artichokes are
a part of the sunflower family, and some say that the common
name (Jerusalem) comes from an Italian word girasole – meaning
‘turning to the sun’. The plant has pretty yellow, daisy-like
flowers, and the tuber is not unlike a potato, except that it
really is very knobbly. The leaves of the plant are large –
anything from 150 mm to 200 mm (6 to 8 inches) wide, and the
plant itself will grow to a height of 1.8 m to 2.1 m (more than
60 feet). Soil for Growing Jerusalem Artichokes These tubers
will thrive in well-prepared soil that has been well dug over
and has had lots of compost and/or manure added to it. It should
also drain well. The optimum pH