plant

Jerusalem artichoke

Helianthus tuberosus

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh
Shademoderate

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence of shoots typically occurs after the last spring frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 7°C or higher.
floweringFlowering is initiated by shortening day lengths, typically in late summer to early autumn.
fruitingFruiting (seed set) follows flowering, though the primary reproductive effort is tuber formation.
senescenceFoliage dies back with the first hard autumn frost.
harvestTubers are typically harvested after the first hard frost has killed the tops, which improves their flavor, and can continue through winter until the ground freezes solid.
dormancyTubers enter dormancy in the soil after the foliage dies back due to frost.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moist
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, phosphorus
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, tuber_division
Difficulty1 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies
Can host pestsslugs, snails, aphids
Can host diseasessclerotinia_rot, powdery_mildew