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Jerusalem Artichokes

Roots & Tubers

Jerusalem Artichokes

Helianthus tuberosus

A sunflower relative hiding huge crops of crisp, nutty tubers underground — vigorous enough to need containing.

PerennialHuge yieldsVery hardy
Awaiting restock

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

This plant is currently awaiting restock.
LifecyclePerennial (grown as an annual in the UK; harvest before frost; replant each spring)
PositionFull sun
SoilAdaptable, but loose fertile soil makes harvesting easier and gives smoother tubers. Avoid a permanent spot where spreading would be a problem.
Garden sizeGrows 180–300 cm tall, forming large clumps 150 cm wide or more
ContainerNeeds a very large, deep container (minimum 40–45 cm deep); harvest thoroughly to prevent escape
Historic erasVictorian
Worth knowing: Grows aggressively—best grown in pots or raised beds to control spread

Why it belongs in a forgotten garden

Jerusalem Artichokes — the story

Why grow it?

A towering sunflower relative with an underground harvest. Jerusalem artichokes are difficult to ignore, difficult to kill and exceptionally good at turning a small planting into a recurring winter crop.

History & context

Also known as sunchokes, these sunflower relatives are a force of nature. Once a favourite in Victorian kitchens, these tubers produce a nutty, sweet flavour and thrive in even the toughest UK conditions. They are a beloved favourite, so be sure to grow them in a contained space as they will happily take over your garden if given the chance.

Explore its place in Victorian garden history.

Growing guide

How to grow Jerusalem Artichokes

Soil & position

Adaptable, but loose fertile soil makes harvesting easier and gives smoother tubers. Avoid a permanent spot where spreading would be a problem.

Light: Full sun

Water

Water during establishment and severe drought, but mature plants are generally resilient.

Propagation

Plant tubers in spring, much like potatoes. Even small tuber pieces left in the ground can regrow.

Sowing referencePlant Mar–AprDepth: 10–15 cm • Cold treatment: No (tubers)

Ongoing care

Stake or shelter very tall plants in exposed positions. Harvest thoroughly if you want to limit spread; deliberately leave a few tubers if you want a permanent patch.

From garden to kitchen

Harvesting & eating it

When to harvest

Lift tubers from late autumn through winter after the tops die back. They keep best in the ground and can be dug as required where soil conditions allow.

Lift tubers from late autumn through winter as needed. Harvest thoroughly if you want to control spread; even small tubers left behind can regrow.

What is edible?

Tubers are the main edible crop.

Flavour & cooking

The tubers are delicious roasted, boiled, or turned into hearty soups. Their nutty, slightly sweet flavour pairs beautifully with creamy or savoury dishes.

Food value

Tubers are rich in inulin rather than starch. Inulin is a fermentable fibre and can cause considerable wind or bloating in some people, so modest portions are sensible at first.

Traditional medicinal uses, where mentioned in the historical material, are included as history rather than medical advice.

Kitchen idea

Roast Jerusalem artichokes with thyme & garlic

Roasting gives the nutty, artichoke-like flavour a crisp edge.

You’ll need

  • 700 g Jerusalem artichokes, scrubbed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, skin on
  • 6 sprigs thyme
  • ½ lemon
  • Salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 210°C / 190°C fan.
  2. Cut larger tubers into even pieces and toss with oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper.
  3. Roast for 30–40 minutes, turning once, until browned outside and tender within.
  4. Squeeze the softened garlic from its skins and toss through the tubers.
  5. Finish with lemon juice and fresh thyme leaves.

How tough is it?

Resilience, pests & garden value

Resilience

A truly unstoppable plant, Jerusalem Artichokes are highly resistant to common pests and are built for thriving in tough conditions. They will grow happily in most soils, providing an abundant harvest with very little fuss.

Pests & practical problems

Usually tough. Slugs can damage tubers and rodents may find them. The biggest management issue is spread rather than disease.

Wildlife value

Late flowers, where produced, are useful to pollinators and the tall stems add seasonal structure.

Growing in a container

Needs a very large, deep container (minimum 40–45 cm deep); harvest thoroughly to prevent escape

Container plants generally need more frequent watering and feeding than the same plant in open ground.

Ready to grow it?

Jerusalem Artichokes

Plants are grown on a small scale. The exact supplied size and format can vary with the season; when this item is available, the current sale details are shown here.

Awaiting restock

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