Sunchokes are a pass-along plant here in California. Found at most farmer's markets, purchased tubers can be planted and will grow like the weeds they are. Unfamiliar with this plant, I put them at the base of the power pole in front of my house. Unfortunately, being a member of the sunflower family, when the plants are mature they form thick stalks with bristly, unpleasant spines, making it impossible for the workers to climb the pole. I now tear them out every year when they are small, which keeps the stalks small and much less painful. I didn't know they come in different varieties. I like the flavor but my tubers are small and hard to prepare since I won't replant them around the yard in fresh soil. I have too many invasive plants as it is. Northern California, Sierra Nevada foothills, zone 8/9, Mediterranean climate