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 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
  • Jerusalem Artichoke/Sunchoke
  • Artichoke harvest

These are the edible root of a sunflower. Plant the tubers deep enough to cover with soil. They are quite drought-tolerant, but keep well-watered to grow larger tubers. They grow through the summer to 1.5 m tall sunflowers with a smallish flower. Dig up the tubers when the flowers die down in autumn.

Get a couple of tubers from the supermarket or fruit shop. Two years after planting you will probably have enough to give away. Perennial, if you don't manage to harvest all the tubers they will regrow year after year.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Jerusalem Artichokes

Scrape clean or peel (add a tsp of lemon or vinegar to the water to stop the tubers browning). Steam, boil, or use in artichoke soup (make with artichokes and some stock). Caution - because they contain 'resistent starch' Jerusalem Artichokes are a great promoter of flatulence in some individuals.

Your comments and tips

22 May 24, Barbara (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Varieties of Jerusalem artichokes available at Livingseeds
15 Sep 23, DAVID FIELD (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I AM LOOKING FOR JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE TUBERS TO PLANT
25 Jun 23, Lynn (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
My Jerusalem Artichokes had very few tubers. Almost nothing. The soil is semi-sea sand in a winter rainfall area. The colour of the soil is like sea sand. What can I add specifically for Artichokes?
29 Jun 23, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Buy in some good soil and add compost manures etc.
01 Jul 22, Henk knoetze (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i buy a few tubers of jerusalem artichoces, some for eating and some for planting in the northern freestate.
22 Sep 22, Craig (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Henk, Livingseeds carry them. Their site shows it as out of stock for most of the year and usually show available stock in early winter.
06 Mar 22, Coral Reynolds (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I bought some Jerusalem artichokes at the market / restaurant near Lanseria airport.We roasted some and made soup....delish.Then planted 4.At first thought they wouldnt grow...but dont give up ...today they are nearly 6 feet tall ...about to flower.Cant wait to harvest them !
25 Aug 20, Judy Morris (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
When do you plant and harvest Jerusalem artichokes in the winter rainfall areas of South Africa?
26 Aug 20, Anon (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Go to the blue tab (climate zone) at the top of the page and work out your climate zone. Then go to J A and the info will be there.
02 Sep 20, judy mortis (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Great. Thanks so much
Showing 1 - 10 of 44 comments

When do you plant and harvest Jerusalem artichokes in the winter rainfall areas of South Africa?

- Judy Morris

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.