Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
The Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus tuberosus, is a perennial sunflower native to North America, grown for its knobbly, white- or red-fleshed tubers, which can be eaten raw or cooked. Better suited to cooler regions, it's well suited to the British climate. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, Helianthus tuberosus is a popular choice for difficult areas of the garden or allotment, and if planted en masse, it makes an excellent windbreak. In late summer, pretty yellow sunflower-like flowers are produced.
Grow Helianthus tuberosus in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Harvest the tubers in autumn, leaving some in the ground to grow the following year.
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Helianthus and wildlife
Helianthus is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
