Jerusalem artichoke /Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus) SGS

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), is a tuber used as a root vegetable. 

Also called sunroot, sunchoke, wild sunflower, topinambur, or earth apple, is a species of sunflower native to central North America.  It is not related to artichoke and is not from Jerusalem, but has been cultivated by indigenous people of North America for centuries.

Jerusalem artichokes have 650 mg potassium per 1 cup serving. They are also high in iron, and contain 10–12% of the USRDA of fiber, niacin, thiamine, phosphorus, and copper.

* Height: 4-10 ft
* Width: 4 ft
* Watering needs: regular, can tolerate dry summers once established
* Sun needs: Full sun
* Bloom Time: April

Planting time. Sunchoke tubers can be planted in the garden as early as 2 to 3 weeks before the average last frost date in spring. They are best planted in soil that has warmed to 50°F (10°C). In warm-winter regions, sunchokes can be planted in winter. Sunchokes require 110 to 150 days to reach harvest. Sunchokes grow best in temperatures ranging from 65° to 90°F (18-32°C).
Planting and spacing. Plant sunchoke tubers 2 to 6 inches (5-15cm) deep, 12 to 18 inches (30-45cm) apart. Space rows 36 inches (91cm) apart.