Planting Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem artichoke thrives in average, well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. It grows best in soil with consistent moisture but will tolerate drought and a wide variety of soils as long as the drainage is good. Plant tubers in late spring after the last frost has occurred or in early fall before frost makes an appearance. Choose a planting site that is protected from strong winds to help these lofty plants remain upright. It is tempting to remove the brown and tattered seed heads after plants bloom but doing so removes the valuable seeds needed as wildlife nourishment. Special note: Jerusalem artichoke can become invasive in some areas. Digging and removing tubers will diminish the size of the plant colony, but this plant is hard to eradicate. Any tiny piece of tuber left in the ground will regrow. So plant it in naturalized areas where it can grow for many years and not spread into other valuable plantings.
