Growing Jerusalem Artichokes, also Sunchoke

Helianthus tuberosus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Jerusalem Artichokes in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Easy to grow. Plant tubers about 5cm (1.5") deep.. Best planted at soil temperatures between 46°F and 59°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 18 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Tomatoes, cucumbers

Your comments and tips

13 Jun 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
JA's are the toughest of tough tubers. Wait until winter is finished and plant SIX of your tubers. They will grow through spring and summer, flower in late summer (with a wimpy type sunflower (will look wimpy compared to the sunflower you get seeds from). Where I am, in May the flowers finish, the stems die, and the earth heaves up, and one sunny Sunday arvo you dig up about five fold the tubers you planted. PLUS, you don't get them all......... without doing anything at all, for the next 15 years, you have JA's........ Good Luck...... PS Mine came from a supermarket, and I started with a dozen in 2 square meters, I have finally got them down to ONE SQUARE METRE and that's enough for us !! In Coff's you will way surpass me "hands off" endeavours of 15 years................. enjoy !
06 May 13, Margaret (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Jerusalem artichokes can be baked, steamed or boiled and are nice served with a melted butter sauce. If you don't dig them up until the stems have died , you will have less problems with flatulence
06 May 13, Di (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have one plant that is dying off, one just finished flowering - both from last year's crop. I'll be digging tomorrow, yippee. I have always had them roasted or boiled. Love them but yes, flatulence is a problem.
14 May 13, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Di I was wondering how much yield you got from your plants I am also a sub tropical grower and considering it was the first time I grew them very happy with my results still picking them and next year will grow 10 times the amount cheers
02 May 13, Deb Hyde (Australia - temperate climate)
We started growing them in large raised area because my partner swears by them for his rheumatoid arthritis. Eats 1 raw every day!
23 Apr 18, Gill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I’m just about to try Jerusalem Artichokes for an autoimmune disease. They are great for good gut bacteria which in turn is good for autoimmune diseases .... heaps of evidence of now that autoimmune plus other diseases are gut related!
25 Apr 13, watson (Australia - tropical climate)
Courious to know if anyone had tried growing these on the coast near rockhampton with any success???
26 Apr 13, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi mate I live in Brissie and grew them first time this year Ijust harvested 2kgs from 1 plant .Was worried about the rotting due to the cyclone we both experienced but it was all good.Might be a good idea to put them in a very well drained area or try a pot so you can move it if it doesn't stop raining otherwise Ithink you should do well.Also don't overwater when you plant it waiit till it sprouts good luck
18 Apr 13, Sue Harris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I am actually living in Belize - which isn't given as a country option. I have some JA tubers, anyone in the Caribbean or Central America know when is best to plant them? Also, what kind of soil suits them best? I have grown these in UK, love them roasted and put up with the gas. In our house they are known as fartichokes.
18 Apr 13, John Hayward (Australia - temperate climate)
Good Morning All, I am looking to purchase some Jerusalem Artichoke Tablets or Capsuals for my own use as I am a Diabetic. Where can I get them. Would appreciate your help. Kind Regards John Hayward Adelaide
Showing 91 - 100 of 169 comments

I love these and find the best way to cook them is unpeeled and they then peel easily, with fingers, while hot. Delicious - like a cross between an artichoke heart and a kipfler potato

- Denise

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