Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tubersosus)
Regular price $19.95Nutty, Artichoke-Flavored Underground Tubers
Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also known as Sunchoke, is a plant with keen survival instincts. Above ground, it produces beautiful, towering flowers that look like classic sunflowers. Below the earth, however, the plant reveals its real treasure: large, edible, and nutritious tubers with a flavor often described as a delicious combination of ginger, potato, and artichoke. They're not related to artichokes, but their distinctly artichoke-like flavor inspired the nickname Sunchoke — sunflower + artichoke!
These hearty underground tubers have long intrigued naturalist chefs, home gardeners, and food lovers alike. Jerusalem Artichokes are incredibly versatile as a vegetable and can be prepared much like other root vegetables. They're also remarkably easy to grow, thriving with little coddling once established. Fast-growing, drought-resistant, and heat-loving, Jerusalem Artichoke spreads quickly from its rhizomes to form beautiful patches of sunflower-like blooms that return year after year. They also grow well in containers, where they can thrive and produce bountifully.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Potentially first cultivated by Native Americans, Jerusalem Artichoke later became a popular crop in Europe. Today, it can be found growing wild throughout much of the Eastern United States, where it was once widely grown as a vegetable crop.
The knobby underground tubers are the star of the plant and can be prepared in countless ways, much like potatoes and other root vegetables. Their distinctive artichoke-like flavor makes them a unique addition to the edible garden and kitchen.
Why Grow Jerusalem Artichoke?
- Harvest nutritious underground tubers with a unique artichoke-like flavor.
- Enjoy a versatile root vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways.
- Grow a fast-growing, heat-loving plant that thrives with little coddling.
- Create a beautiful patch of towering sunflower-like blooms that returns year after year.
- Grow a prolific edible crop in the garden or containers.
Growing Tips
Plant Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) in full sun to part shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay, and is somewhat drought tolerant once established. Plants can reach up to 6 ft. tall with a 4 ft. horizontal spread, so give them plenty of room to grow or plant them in containers to help manage their spreading habit. Our Jerusalem Artichokes are grown from root division and are capable of producing a harvest within one growing season. Harvest the underground tubers in late summer or fall.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Helianthus tuberosus |
| Common Names | Jerusalem Artichoke, Sunchoke |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial Deciduous Herb |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Harvest Season | Late Summer, Fall |
| Mature Size | Up to 6 ft. tall and 4 ft. horizontal spread |
| Soil & Moisture | Adaptable; sandy to clay soils; somewhat drought tolerant |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 4–10; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Root Division |
| Harvest Time | Within one growing season |
| Edible Parts | Underground tubers |
| Flavor | Distinctly artichoke-like |
| Growing Options | In-ground, containers |
| Special Traits | Heat-loving, drought-resistant, spreading |
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