If you’re looking to grow a hardy, low-maintenance, and surprisingly delicious root crop, Jerusalem artichokes—also known as sunchokes—might just be your next gardening obsession. Despite the misleading name, these knobby tubers have nothing to do with Jerusalem, nor are they artichokes. Instead, they belong to the sunflower family and offer a subtly nutty, slightly sweet flavor that shines in everything from soups to roasted dishes.
Whether you’re working with a backyard plot or an urban container garden, growing Jerusalem artichokes is surprisingly simple—and incredibly rewarding. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from planting to harvesting, with some friendly advice (and mistakes to avoid!) along the way.
What Are Jerusalem Artichokes?
Before we dig in—literally—let’s get to know the plant. Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) are perennial tubers native to North America. The edible part is the knobby root, which grows underground while the plant shoots up tall stalks with sunflower-like blooms.
They’re an excellent crop for beginners because they’re:
- Low maintenance
- Cold-hardy
- Pest-resistant
- Perfect for permaculture gardens
Now, let’s talk about how to grow them in your own garden.
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Jerusalem Artichokes
1. Choose the Right Location
Sunlight: Jerusalem artichokes thrive in full sun, so choose a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Space: These plants can grow up to 10 feet tall, so plant them where they won’t shade out your other crops or get knocked over by strong winds.
Soil: They prefer loose, well-drained soil. While they’re tolerant of poor soils, you’ll get better yields in richer soil with plenty of organic matter.
Tip: Avoid planting them near root vegetables like carrots or potatoes—they may compete underground for space.
2. Get Your Tubers
You can buy Jerusalem artichoke tubers from garden centers, online seed suppliers, or even sprouted ones from farmers markets.
When to plant: Early spring (March–April) is ideal, as soon as the soil can be worked.
How to plant:
- Cut larger tubers into chunks, each with at least one eye (bud).
- Plant them about 4–6 inches deep and 12–18 inches apart.
- Water well after planting.
3. Care and Maintenance
Watering: Once established, Jerusalem artichokes are drought-tolerant, but they’ll produce better yields with regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Mulching: Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilizing: Not strictly necessary, but a bit of compost or slow-release organic fertilizer in early summer can boost growth.
Support: In windy areas or if your plants get especially tall, stake them to prevent breakage.
Fun Fact: The tall stalks and sunny flowers can double as a privacy screen or natural fence in urban gardens!
4. Harvesting Jerusalem Artichokes
The real magic happens underground. Here’s how to know when it’s time to harvest:
- Wait until after the first frost—this sweetens the tubers.
- Cut the stalks down to 6 inches.
- Carefully dig around the base with a garden fork, loosening the soil and lifting the tubers.
Pro tip: Don’t harvest all the tubers. Leave a few in the ground—they’ll come back next year!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a tough plant like Jerusalem artichoke can run into problems. Here’s what beginners should watch out for:
Letting them take over
Jerusalem artichokes are vigorous growers and can become invasive if left unchecked. To avoid a tuber takeover:
- Harvest thoroughly.
- Plant them in a contained bed or large container.
- Use root barriers if planting in the ground.
Harvesting too early
If you dig up tubers before the first frost, they can be small and lack sweetness. Patience pays off here!
Skipping support
These tall stalks can topple easily—especially in urban settings where wind tunnels are common. Use bamboo stakes or garden ties if needed.
Growing Jerusalem Artichokes in Containers
Yes, you can absolutely grow Jerusalem artichokes in pots! Choose a large container—at least 15–20 gallons—with good drainage. Follow the same planting depth and spacing, and ensure the container gets plenty of sunlight.
Container gardening is perfect for urban gardeners who want to enjoy the benefits of sunchokes without the worry of them spreading.
Why You’ll Love Growing Sunchokes
Besides being easy to grow, Jerusalem artichokes offer:
- A nutritious, low-carb alternative to potatoes
- Gorgeous, bee-friendly flowers in late summer
- A harvest you can enjoy year after year with minimal effort
They’re ideal for beginner gardeners, urban homesteaders, or anyone looking to diversify their garden with something a bit off the beaten path.
Ready to Grow Your Own?
Now that you know how to grow Jerusalem artichokes, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and plant those knobby little powerhouses. Whether you’ve got a big backyard or a sunny balcony, you can enjoy a thriving harvest of sunchokes with minimal fuss.
Call to Action:
Have you tried growing Jerusalem artichokes? Share your experiences in the comments below—or tag us in your garden photos on social media. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more beginner-friendly gardening tips!
