CHAPTER XVII 



ARTICHOKES 



THERE are three kinds of artichokes which have 

 little in common beyond their name. The first, the 

 Jerusalem Artichoke, is probably the easiest thing a 

 gardener can grow ; in fact, it flourishes so well without 

 attention that it might almost be classed among weeds. 

 In many ways it resembles a sunflower, being tall of habit 

 and possessing similar shaped leaves. The stem, however, 

 does not show the purplish-bronzed hue which is char- 

 acteristic of the flowering helianthus. 



The Jerusalem artichoke is grown for its tubers, which 

 have a flavour somewhat akin to waxy potatoes, and 

 consequently is not appreciated by everybody. Its food 

 value almost approximates that of a potato, and as it 

 requires no attention during the period of growth, and 

 as the diseases which attack it are few there is a good deal 

 to be said for its inclusion, in moderation, in every 

 garden plot. 



The ground selected for this vegetable should, for 

 preference, be light and rich, but as it is highly accom- 

 modating in most soils the roughest and least useful plots 

 are where it is commonly grown. If it is desired to hide 

 a shed or screen some delicate plants, the Jerusalem 

 artichoke will perform this service admirably. 



The " seed " should be buried in spring to a depth of 

 about six inches, with a space of some sixteen inches 



