How to Grow and Plant Sunchokes

Plant Sunchokes in a location with full sun to part sun. The soil should be well drained and loose- amending the soil with compost will improve yields. Plant the tubers about 4 inches deep and 1 foot apart. Plant them in their own designated area as they can spread vigorously once they’re established and can be difficult to remove. Keep them well watered and weeded for the first season of growth. Allow them to establish themselves for a full season before harvesting.

Sunchokes are one of the most tenacious and reliable food sources you can grow. They produce a tasty tuber that can be dug up in the spring or fall. Perennial in nature and hardy to zone 3 makes this plant extremely valuable if you’re trying to produce a lot of your own food in cold climates. It has an impressive nutritional profile, and is host to many native insects. It’s beautiful golden flowers bloom late in the season and the towering plants can reach heights of 13 ft tall!

Some people can experience gastrointestinal upset when consuming Sunchokes, and we've found that if you harvest them after several deep frosts in the fall that we have a much easier time digesting them. Fermentation can also help, although we haven't found this necessary. Whenever you consume a new food, start in small doses so your body can become accustomed to it.

Sunchokes are such a fun, easy to grow plant that provides sustenance and wonderful beauty! If you'd like to order some for spring shipment click here: https://www.northernfoodforest.ca/products/sunchoke-stampede?_pos=1&_psq=sunchoke&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=47153362993370