Also known as Artichoke · Canada Potato · Earth-Apple
Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is a sunflower species native to North America, known for its edible tubers and tall, daisy-like flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best tuber production.
Moderate to High during growth
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Loam, Sandy, Clay, Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Very cold-hardy and can withstand frost. Prefers warm growing seasons.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Does not require heavy feeding; avoid excessive nitrogen.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Jerusalem artichokes prefer consistent moisture, especially during their active growth phase. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to tuber rot.
Reduced watering is acceptable once foliage begins to yellow and die back in late summer or early autumn.
Pruning is primarily done for management rather than plant health. Cut back the dead stalks in late autumn or early spring to the ground.
Some gardeners cut back the foliage in late summer to prevent excessive spreading, although this can reduce tuber yield. Remove any volunteers that sprout from dropped tubers.
Jerusalem artichokes are propagated by division of tubers or by planting sections of tubers with at least one 'eye'. Plant tubers in spring about 10-15 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart.
They are vigorous spreaders and can become invasive if not managed, so choose a suitable location or containment method.
Repotting is not applicable to Jerusalem artichokes as they are grown directly in the ground and are perennial tubers. They are typically divided and replanted in situ or transplanted to a new location.
If grown in large containers for aesthetic purposes, the tubers would be harvested and replanted annually in fresh soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Helianthus |
| Species | Helianthus tuberosus |
Similar in genus Helianthus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
