Can Jerusalem artichokes be planted in winter? (When is the best time to plant Jerusalem artichokes in winter?)

Jerusalem artichoke is a perennial herb with a high economic value and a broad development prospect. Let's learn more about Jerusalem artichoke planting techniques and the best planting time.

When to plant ginger

Jerusalem artichokes can overwinter in frozen soil at -25-30℃, and seedlings can withstand low temperatures of 1-2℃. Therefore, Jerusalem artichokes can overwinter in the ground, so they can be planted in winter.

However, it is not recommended to plant Jerusalem artichokes in late winter, especially in the north where the temperature is too low and not suitable for their growth. Generally, the best time to sow Jerusalem artichokes is in late autumn and early spring, so autumn is more suitable for planting Jerusalem artichokes.

Jerusalem artichokes are propagated by tubers, and a large number of tubers of varying sizes are produced every year. Large tubers are used for commercial purposes, while small ones are used as seeds. Generally, tubers weighing 20-25 grams are used as seeds .

In plots where Jerusalem artichokes have been planted, there will be a large number of small tubers left. You do not need to sow seeds to ensure full seedlings in the second year, but you still need to thin out the seedlings to ensure a reasonable density.

Jerusalem artichoke planting techniques and methods

Plot Selection

Jerusalem artichokes do not have strict requirements for soil and cannot be grown in acidic soil. They grow poorly in swamps and saline-alkali lands, and have the highest yield in sandy loam with a deep soil layer. Jerusalem artichokes are shade-tolerant and can be grown under the shade of trees and in relatively cool places, usually in sporadic cultivation.

Sowing method

①Base fertilizer

Apply more than 2,000 kg of decomposed farmyard manure and 30-40 kg of triple compound fertilizer per mu. After deep plowing, prepare the land and then plant Jerusalem artichoke tubers in holes or rows.

② Row spacing

In terms of planting spacing, the spacing between rows and plants should be kept between 30-50 cm, and the sowing depth should be about 10 cm. Watering is required when the humidity is low to ensure full seedlings.

Field management

① Dormant period

Jerusalem artichokes begin to germinate at 2-6℃ and begin to sprout at 8-10℃ . When the temperature is 15-25℃, the tubers will rapidly expand . After the frost, the above-ground part will wither and die, and the tree will enter a dormant period, at which time it can be harvested.

Start watering after the seedlings are all grown, and apply nitrogen fertilizer once in combination with watering. Apply nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer once during the budding period, and cut off the top in time to help the tubers expand.

② Reproductive period

During the growth period, the soil moisture should be kept dry and wet. No watering is required if the soil is not too dry. Watering during the rapid expansion period of the tubers can significantly increase the yield. After the seedlings emerge, weeds should be removed in time, and soil should be cultivated to reduce nutrient waste .

③ Diseases and pests

Jerusalem artichokes have very few diseases and pests. If aphids appear, you can prepare homemade pesticides such as tobacco stem water, urea laundry detergent water, etc., and then spray the leaves to control the damage. Increasing the humidity in the field can reduce the damage caused by aphids.

④Harvest period

Jerusalem artichokes are harvested from late autumn to before the soil thaws. When the temperature exceeds 2°C, they will germinate, affecting yield and quality. They can be used as soon as they are harvested, or they can be stored after being harvested all at once.

Jerusalem artichokes are not afraid of the cold during their dormant period. You just need to dig a hole and bury it in it, cover it with a layer of soil, and water it a little.