Stampede Sunchoke (Jerusalem Artichoke) Tubers

Stampede Jerusalem Artichokes, also known as sunchokes, originated from a unique breeding project on a reserve in northern Ontario, Canada. Indigenous people there were focused on selecting the earliest flowering sunchokes they could find. This selective breeding led to the development of the Stampede variety, which is known for its early flowering and ripening characteristics. In 1978, this breeding effort culminated in the distribution of just two tubers to Johnny’s Selected Seeds, marking the beginning of its commercial availability.

They are notable for their early production, which can give growers a jump on the market or food on the table faster. Their large, sweet, uniform tubers and the ability to store well, makes them excellent for winter markets and food security. This variety is also winter hardy and can withstand severe cold, making it a robust choice for Canadian gardens​

Known for their sweet, nutty flavour, these tubers are a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. From roasting to pureeing, the Stampede Sunchoke can enhance a wide array of dishes. They are also great raw with dips. Its ability to store well and hold in the ground until spring, makes it a great choice for extending its culinary use throughout the winter and spring.

Climate Adaptability: Cold hardy, suitable for cooler climates.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure.
Spacing: Plant tubers approximately 12-16 inches apart.
Storage Quality: Excellent storage capabilities, maintaining flavour and texture well into the winter.

In my 2024 garden, I grew 9 varieties of Sunchokes. These are coming in at #3 for earliest. The Clearwater are by far the earliest variety and it flowered in mid summer.

When I grew these in my 2025 garden, they survived a serious drought and managed to produce abundant tubers even thought the soil was bone dry. I have written about the amazing ways that I have seen the Stampede Sunchoke grow in a blog post.

I also was on water restrictions where I lived in 2024 and was unable to water any of my Sunchoke crops. I was amazed at how well they did! Everyone has survived so far. I feel that this food crop can be planted in areas that might not normally have food growing and there can be nourishment there when needed. It is a tall and beautiful plant.

Fall is an excellent time to plant sunchokes. The cooler weather gives the tubers time to establish roots without the stress of summer heat. By the time spring arrives, they’ll be ready to burst forth with vigorous growth. Planting in autumn allows the sunchokes to settle into the soil over winter, leading to healthier and more productive plants in the growing season.

They thrive in full sun, so select a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be loose and well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can cause the tubers to rot. If you have clay or compacted soil, consider amending it with organic matter to improve drainage.

Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. Sunchokes develop large tubers, so the deeper the soil is loosened, the more room they’ll have to grow. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and boost fertility, giving your plants the nutrients they need to establish strong roots.

Plant the sunchoke tubers 4-6 inches deep, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. The tubers should be positioned with one of their eyes (growth nodes) facing upwards. This spacing allows enough room for each plant to develop a healthy network of tubers without overcrowding. Also, if you are dry farming, you can space them a little further apart.

To protect the tubers through winter, apply a layer of mulch—such as straw, leaves, or grass clippings—over the planted area. Mulching helps insulate the soil, keeping it warmer and moist, which in turn encourages root development. It also prevents frost heaving, where repeated freezing and thawing can push tubers out of the ground. Come spring, simply pull the mulch back to allow the plants to emerge. Once they are up and growing, replace the mulch.

Spring is another excellent time to plant sunchokes. Sunchokes prefer cool conditions for establishing roots, and early spring offers just that. Don’t wait too long, as warmer temperatures can stress the young tubers. That said, if you do plant later in spring when it is warm- they will still grow amazingly! This is one crop that is hard to get wrong.

If you’ve stored sunchokes over the winter, it’s important to check them before planting. Select only firm, healthy tubers that show no signs of rot or decay. If any have softened or shriveled, discard them, as they won’t produce strong plants. For best results, ensure each tuber has a few visible eyes—these will be the points where new growth emerges.

When it’s time to plant, position your tubers 4-6 inches deep in the soil, just as you would in the autumn. Space the tubers 12-18 inches (a bit more for dry farming) apart to allow enough room for their sprawling underground growth. Place the tubers with at least one of their eyes facing up, as this orientation encourages the strongest upward shoots. Proper spacing will help prevent crowding, ensuring the plants have enough room to develop their tubers.

Sunchokes are fairly low maintenance, but in early spring, it’s crucial to monitor their watering needs. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the tubers to rot. Make sure the area has good drainage, especially in the rainy season. Water deeply but infrequently, and once the plants begin to emerge, you can reduce watering to encourage stronger root growth.

These tubers are available directly from Garden Faerie Botanicals, located in the heart of British Columbia. Featuring Canada’s largest selection of Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes), these offerings are ideal for enhancing food security. The collection includes heirloom and heritage seeds, personally cultivated organically without chemicals. Emphasizing historical, rare, and non-GMO seeds, this selection is dedicated to preserving biodiversity.