Helianthus tuberosus

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Helianthus tuberosus

Also known as: Jerusalem Artichoke, Sunchoke

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Herb layer

Format: Smal

Height: 2.40 m

Width: 0.60 m

Growth Rate: -

Leaf: -

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Coffee, Root, Sweetener

Edibility:
(4)

Medicinal:
(1)

Features:
Biomass, Carbon farming

Description

The tubers of the sunchoke plant can be eaten both raw and cooked. During the winter, the tubers develop a pleasant sweetness, especially after exposure to frost. They are reasonably tasty to eat raw, but in general, they are best cooked and can be used in the same way as potatoes. Sunchokes contain inulin, a starch that cannot be fully digested by the body, making them nutrient-rich but low in calories. Some people may have difficulty with inulin, as it can ferment in the intestines and cause gas. The tubers are quite large, growing up to 10 cm long and 6 cm in diameter. They break easily and lose moisture quickly, so it is best to leave them in the ground and harvest them as needed. The inulin in the tubers can be converted into fructose, a sweet substance that is safe for people with diabetes.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/10

End of Harvest: 31/03

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Taxus baccata Yew, English yew, Common Yew	Provides shelter for wildlife and can increase microclimate diversity.
Arbutus unedoxaera Strawberry Tree	Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden.
Juglans regia English Walnut	Improves soil nutrients and structure; walnut tree can provide shade.
Castanea sativa Sweet Chestnut	Helianthus tuberosus can benefit from the windbreak created by the chestnut tree.
Drimys lanceolata Mountain pepper	Provides habitat for beneficial wildlife and can help with soil stability.
Alnus rubra Red alder	Fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the growth of Helianthus tuberosus.
Viburnum opulus Highbush cranberry	Attracts pollinators and provides berries for wildlife.
Prunus domestica Plum	Provides shade and can enhance biodiversity by attracting different species.