Find out how to grow Jerusalem artichoke, both for its pretty flowers and edible roots.
John Noltner
Jerusalem artichoke(Helianthus tuberosa)is aroot cropnative to eastern North America.
The edible tuber has a flavor similar to an artichoke, but isn’t at all related.
Credit:John Noltner
This plantproduces many daisy-like flowers that sway in the wind atop tall leafy stems.
The tubers look like a cross between potatoes andginger root.
Tubers are white or tan, but a few varieties are deep pink to burgundy.
Credit: John Reed Forsman
Here’s how to grow Jerusalem artichokes in your garden.
Where to Plant Jerusalem Artichoke
Plant Jerusalem artichoke in sunny spots inUSDA Hardiness Zones3-9.
Plant in groups at the back of beds with other tall plants, creating cover andfood for wildlife.
Credit: Greg Ryan
The yellow flowers are visible from a distance.
When growing to harvest the tubers, plant them in rich soil in an undisturbed area of the garden.
Each fall, dig out the tubers, preferablyafter the first frost.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
Plant this tall perennial on the north side of other plants to avoid shading the rest of the garden.
Although Jerusalem artichoke is native to the eastern U.S. states, it can grow aggressively and take over gardens.
Once planted in a garden, Jerusalem artichoke is challenging to remove.
Credit: Scott Little
When possible, gardeners should plant local stock that is adapted to your growing conditions.
They grow best infull sunand well-drained soil with alot of organic matter.
Buy the tubers in garden centers or through vegetable garden catalogs.
They are available in fall and spring.
Plant the tubers after thelast spring frost dateor in the fall while the soil is still workable.
Add a thick mulch layer in areas with cold winters.
Plant the tubers 2 feet apart and 4 inches deep.
Dig in the fall to harvest mature tubers, and leave those not dug to sprout in the spring.
The plant develops tubers before it flowers; these can be dug early.
The lack of flowers does not affect tuber development.
Jerusalem Artichoke Care Tips
Light
Choose a spot in full to partial sun.
Six hours of direct sunlight a day is preferable for tuber production.
Soil and Water
Jerusalem artichokes thrive in moist soil but should be planted in awell-drained garden.
Water the plants in times of drought and mulch around them tosuppress weedsand keep the soil moist.
Temperature and Humidity
Jerusalem artichokes grow best in a temperature range of 60F to 90F.
In colder climates, apply a thick layer of mulch for winter protection.
Tuber production is not affected.
Pests and Problems
Rust, leaf spot, and powdery mildeware minor problems of Jerusalem artichoke.
Caterpillars are known to chew on the foliage.
How to Propagate Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem artichokes spread through rhizomes.
Clearwater
Helianthus tuberosaClearwater tubers are mostly smooth with creamy white flesh.
The tubers are sweet and not starchy, two characteristics that make them useful in several ways.
In addition to being eaten raw or fried, they can be enjoyed as a dessert when caramelized.
The plant grows 78 feet tall.
Fuseau grows 810 feet tall.
It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has flowers ranging from lavender to blue to white.
The flowers usually orient themselves north and south to avoid the heat of the midday sun.
Zones 39
Goldenrod
Taller types ofgoldenrod(Solidagospp.)
work well with Jerusalem artichoke.
Small yellow flowers appear in late summer, attracting pollinators.
Peel them underwater and immediately put them into a liquid with vinegar or lemon.
The flesh will discolor on exposure to air, although the taste is unaffected.
Jerusalem artichokes can be difficult for some people to digest, causing flatulence.
