Helianthus tuberosus
Sunchoke

• Sunchokes are members of the sunflower family and produces dozens of lovely yellow flowers on tall bushy stems throughout the summer.

• They do best in sunny spots with well-draining soil and may require support to keep from flopping over.

• Hardy and vigorous growers, they may spread more than desired. 

• Sunchokes have a sweet, nutty flavor are rich in vitamins. They were once a staple crop for many Native Americans. Knobby tubers can be dug up in late fall and used in a variety of ways: boiled, fried, roasted, pickled, sliced and eaten raw.

• Horticulturist’s Notes: Sunchokes are best dug up in the winter, while the plant is dormant, so make a note of where the plant was growing over the summer and come back to harvest the day you intend to eat the tubers.