Growing Jerusalem Artichokes, also Sunchoke

Helianthus tuberosus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              P P P    

(Best months for growing Jerusalem Artichokes in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Easy to grow. Plant tubers about 5cm (1.5") deep.. Best planted at soil temperatures between 8°C and 15°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 - 45 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Tomatoes, cucumbers

Your comments and tips

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23 Dec 19, Antoinette (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I am trying to buy some j/a, but do not seem to find them for sale anywhere. Has anyone got some spare tubers I could buy? Thanks Antoinette
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27 Dec 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try the internet - like diggers and Eden seeds.
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20 Jun 20, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
. I got mine posted from living-mudflower.blogspot.com, they seemed pretty good.
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10 Nov 19, Mary (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Can I plant the chokes I just received in pots in my small, uheated greenhouse or should I hold them for Spring? If I should hold them, how do I do that?
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04 Nov 19, STEPHANIE LIEBERT (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi I bought some Jerusalem Artichoke tubers on trade-me a few months back and they have been dormant in the ground since about June. I am in Auckland, and the spot they are in is sheltered and sunny. NOTHING has come up yet. Should I worry?
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07 Nov 19, Another gardener (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try checking here before planting anything. You planted early winter instead early spring. This is what happens when people plant out of season. If you had a wet winter they may be rotten. Dig around the tubers to see how they are.
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06 Sep 19, Kelly (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Green Harvest online store has Jerusalem artichokes in stock now.
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20 Aug 19, Brian GRIBBEN (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where can I acquire some tubers to grow I live in Auckland?
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26 Aug 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Search on-line where to buy JA in NZ.
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02 Aug 19, Ally Blacketer (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I would love to grow these plants but can’t seem to get my hands on any. Please will you help me to find and purchase them. I’m from Sydney NSW Australia Glenmore Park 2745
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Showing 81 - 90 of 304 comments
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I've been growing these for some years now and am a huge fan. Absolutely LOVE them. So do my chickens, turkeys, horses, sheep, cattle and dogs. All except dogs will eat tops and tubers. Dogs only eat the tubers. Cats don't much care for any part of them tho. Cooking tips: I like them best roasted. Cut into 1" x 1" (2cm x 2cm) or so, put on a cookie sheet, drizzle with olive or coconut oil, salt, pepper maybe a little basil or rosemary. Roast at 350F (180C) for 25 - 40 min. They come out about the same consistency as roasted garlic - almost like a paste. Use on a nice cracker with a small slice of cream cheese. Side with a glass of a nice, oaky Chardonnay, a good movie and a sexy friend. I'm done. Night, night. Growing tips: don't do anything to them except give them water and some good manure. If you want to get fancy, cut off the flowers and put them in a vase in the kitchen. (Stripping the flowers puts more energy into the tuber production.) Ungrowing tips: If you want to get rid of them, mow them off once a week and don't water. Turn out pigs or chickens. They will dig up every living morsel and consume it. CAUTION! Do NOT use a rototiller on them. It cuts the tubers into microslices and only encourages them to propagate. Enjoy your sunchokes. They are a gift from the gods.

- Deborah Wells

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