50 seeds per packet (these are seeds not the tubers.
Helianthus tuberosus (in the sunflower/daisy family, Asteraceae)
Despite the name, they are not related to globe artichokes, and they are not from Jerusalem
Native range: North America (especially the eastern and central regions). Cultivated by Indigenous peoples long before European colonization.
They produce knobby, underground tubers (edible) and aboveground stems that bear yellow, sunflower-type blooms.
Tubers are roughly 3–7.5 cm thick, up to ~7.5 cm long (or larger), and come in colors from pale brown/white to red or purple.
Carbohydrate source: Unlike many root vegetables, Jerusalem artichokes store carbohydrates as inulin
Wiley Online Library
Because inulin is not digested in the small intestine, it acts as a prebiotic (feeding beneficial gut bacteria) and has minimal immediate effect on blood sugar (i.e., low glycemic response)
Typical nutrition (per 1 cup, ~150 g, raw slices): ~110 calories, ~3 g protein, ~26.1 g carbs, negligible fat.
They are sources of minerals including iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
They also contain fiber (from inulin/oligofructose) which supports digestive health, though the fermentation of inulin in the colon can lead to gas, bloating, or discomfort for some people.
Some folk and traditional uses consider Jerusalem artichokes beneficial for digestion, and studies have explored their use in functional foods or as a fiber supplement.
Life cycle: a perennial—the aboveground portion dies back in winter; tubers overwinter in the soil
Soil & fertility: relatively undemanding; moderate fertility is sufficient. It competes well with weeds once established.
Tuber development time: depends on genotype and growing conditions; ranges often from 110 to 240 days.
Hardiness / winter survival: tubers can survive quite low temps (e.g. down to –30 °C in many cases) in suitable soils.
Harvest timing: often harvested in fall, especially after the first frost (some say frost helps convert inulin to more digestible forms and improves taste).
Challenges: Because tubers remain in the ground, complete removal is difficult—this allows re-sprouting and potential invasiveness. It can be considered somewhat weedy or invasive in some settings.
Diseases & pests: Common diseases include stem rot (Sclerotium / Agroathelia), mold, blights, rust, powdery mildew, etc.
