How to Grow and Care for Jerusalem Artichokes

Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are versatile and hardy perennials. With their sunflower-like yellow blooms and edible tubers, these plants are a great addition to any garden. The tubers, resembling ginger root, have a crisp texture similar to water chestnuts and can be used fresh in salads or cooked like potatoes. They are also an excellent dietary choice for diabetics due to their high inulin content.

Jerusalem artichokes thrive in cooler climates and can grow in poor soil, but they perform best in porous, well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Plant tubers in late winter or early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Use a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus and plant tubers 12–24 inches apart, covering them with 3–5 inches of soil. Cut large tubers into pieces with 2–3 prominent buds, but avoid letting the pieces dry out before planting.

These plants require minimal care during the growing season. Water them like sunflowers if summer rain is insufficient, and they will soon shade out weeds on their own. Harvest tubers after the first frost or when flowers begin to die back. Store the tubers in high-humidity conditions close to 32°F for several months.

Jerusalem artichokes can be invasive, as any leftover tubers in the soil will sprout in spring. To prevent unwanted growth, harvest all tubers by season’s end or plant them in isolated or raised beds.