How to Grow Jerusalem Artichoke

About Jerusalem Artichoke

The Jerusalem Artichoke plant is a tuber, or root crop, and tastes somewhat like potatoes with a nutty flavor. The plants grow six to eight feet tall with sunflower-like blooms. They are very uncommon in the home garden. Their lack of popularity stems more from a lack of awareness than flavor. As a result of this article, we hope it incites you to learn how to grow Jerusalem Artichoke and try it for the first time in your home garden. You’ll be glad that you did!

Did You Know? Jerusalem Artichokes are not related to the Globe Artichoke. And, they do not look or taste like them.

Jerusalem Artichokes Plant Specifications

Days to Harvest: 120 to 130 days. Harvest in late summer to shortly after the first frost.

Plant height: 18 to 24 inches tall.

Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade.

Ideal Soil pH: 5.5– 7.5. Ideal Soil pH by vegetable.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 4 – 9

Plant Type: Perennial.

Deer Resistant? Yes.

Native To: Central and South Asia, northeastern Iran.

Botanical Name: Helianthus tuberosus

Other Names: Sunchoke

Nutritional Facts

Her are the nutritional values of 150 grams of Jerusalem Artichoke:

110 calories
26 g carbs
0 cholesterol
0 g fat
2.4 g fiber
3 g protein
6 mg sodium

Light Requirement

Like most vegetable garden plants, Jerusalem Artichoke plants grow best in full sun. Therefore, select a growing location where they receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight.

The plants also grow well in partial, light shade. However, with less sunlight the plant and roots may not reach their full potential.

How to Grow Jerusalem Artichoke - Planting

The plants like soft soil, rich with plenty of compost and good drainage.

Plant Artichoke and grow them just like potatoes. Sow “eyes” three to four inches deep. Separate 18 inches in the rows, and space rows three feet apart.

Grow and care for Jerusalem Artichokes like potatoes. Mound dirt up around the base of the plant and make sure tubers are covered.

Application of fertilizer and mulch will be rewarded by healthier plants and a larger harvest.

Also See:

Plant Problems

Soil Temperatures – Ideal germination temperature by vegetable

Ideal Soil pH – by vegetable

Insects and Plant Disease

Slugs and snails like the leaves and stems. Root maggots can sometimes infest the tubers, but not often.

Disease: Blights and fungus can affect plants, especially in wet, humid weather.

Harvesting Jerusalem Artichokes

Harvest Artichokes late in the season for individual meals, being careful not to disturb the root system any more than necessary. A frost will kill the foliage for the year. but, the roots take on a sweeter flavor. After the first frost in your area, dig out the remaining roots. Or, keep some of the roots in the ground for next year’s crop.