Jerusalem Artichoke Growing Guide: Planting, Care, and Harvesting Tips
Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are a hardy perennial vegetable and member of the sunflower family. Known for their edible, nutty-flavored tubers, they are easy to grow and make an excellent addition to your garden. Here’s a complete guide on planting, caring for, and harvesting Jerusalem artichokes.
Click here to access the complete Jerusalem Artichokes Growing Guide (PDF) for detailed information on soil preparation, planting, and long-term care.
What are Jerusalem Artichokes?
The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a perennial sunflower species grown for its edible tubers. These tubers, which taste similar to water chestnuts, can be eaten raw or cooked like potatoes. The plant produces bright yellow flowers and can grow over five feet tall, making it a beautiful and functional garden addition.
Best Growing Conditions for Jerusalem Artichokes
Soil and Sun Requirements:
• Soil Type: Prefers porous, well-drained soil but can tolerate poor soils.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth.
• Climate: Thrives in cooler climates and is hardy through winter.
Invasiveness and Growing Location:
Jerusalem artichokes can be invasive, as any tubers left in the ground will sprout new plants in spring. To manage their spread:
• Plant them in a raised bed or a dedicated area away from other garden beds.
• Consider planting along a fence line or building to limit their spread.
How to Plant and Grow Jerusalem Artichokes
Heeling In Tubers (Before Planting):
If you can’t plant immediately after receiving the tubers, store them using the “heeling in” method:
Outdoors:
• Dig a trench twice as deep as the tubers.
• Place tubers in the trench, cover with soil or sand, and tamp down gently.
• Keep the soil moist to prevent drying out.
Indoors (Cold Storage):
• Store tubers in a cool place (38°F to 45°F) such as a basement, garage, or root cellar.
• Place them in a container with moist soil or sand.
Planting Jerusalem Artichokes:
• Timing: Plant in late winter or early spring as soon as the soil is workable.
• Soil Preparation: Add a balanced fertilizer high in phosphorus, such as a bulb or flower blend.
• Tubers: Cut large tubers into 1–2 oz pieces with 2–3 prominent buds. Small tubers can be planted whole.
• Spacing: Plant tubers 12–24 inches apart, covering them with 3–5 inches of soil.
Caring for Jerusalem Artichokes
Watering:
• Water regularly, similar to sunflowers. During dry periods, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Weeding:
• Weed around young plants to prevent competition. Once established, the tall plants will shade out most weeds.
Fertilization:
• Jerusalem artichokes are low-maintenance but benefit from organic compost or a balanced vegetable fertilizer during the growing season.
Harvesting Jerusalem Artichokes
• When to Harvest: Harvest after the first frost for sweeter tubers. The starches convert to sugars after a frost, improving their flavor.
• How to Harvest:
- Cut down the plant tops.
- Use a hand rake to dig up the tubers.
- Tubers dug later in the season are sweeter but lower in inulin.
Storage Tips:
• Preparation: Scrub the tubers clean with a vegetable brush (no need to peel).
• Storage Conditions: Store in high humidity near 32°F. Properly stored, they can last several months.
Nutritional and Health Benefits
• Rich in inulin, a carbohydrate that converts to fructose, making it suitable for diabetics.
• Low in starch, making it ideal for low-carb diets.
• High in dietary fiber and essential minerals.
Common Questions About Growing Jerusalem Artichokes:
• Are Jerusalem artichokes invasive? Yes, they can spread aggressively. Plant in a contained area or raised bed.
• Can I leave tubers in the ground over winter? Yes, but be sure to harvest all by spring to avoid unwanted volunteers.
• When is the best time to plant? As soon as the soil is workable in late winter or early spring.
