How to Grow Sunchoke

Updated June 2026

A cool-season root for the home garden across the warmer US.

Sunchoke is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Sunchoke is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the sunchoke page for exact timing.

Varieties

Stampede, Early, productive tubers (nurseries)
Red Fuseau, Smooth red knobbly tubers (nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 16 in between plants.
Sowing: sow about 4 in deep.
Water: roughly 1.1 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Slugs. In humid regions, Powdery mildew and Sclerotinia can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Sunchoke is usually ready to harvest in about 5 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant sunchoke where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →