What it is
Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) (Helianthus tuberosus) is in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. A native sunflower relative that yields heavy tuber crops and comes back every year — almost impossible to kill.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it low, and give it tolerant soil. Target a soil pH around 5.8–7.0. Space plants about 18–24 in apart. Expect roughly 120–150. Hardy perennial tuber.
How it's used
Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke) is used: roasted, raw, soups.
🔎 How to identify it
- Tall hairy sunflower stalks
- Small yellow sunflowers
- Knobby tubers underground
Edibility
PartsTubers
UsesRoasted, raw, soups
CautionInulin can cause gas; introduce gradually. Spreads aggressively.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.