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

12 Jul 19, Dianne (Australia - arid climate)
Bunnings sells an 8-pack (Bloomin' Bulbs range) that is available in most stores. (I checked availability for Mackay recently and noticed that a bunch of stores all the way up the coast stocked them as well.) If they don't have any, it might be worth checking Mitre 10. I recall the store in Sarina having some and suspect that it might be something that the chain stocks on a regular basis. Best wishes in finding some bulbs near where you live!
12 Jul 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look on the internet.
26 May 19, Alicia Korte (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I am ready to harvest my Jerusalem do I leave them in the ground to harvest them again in September or do I pick them now to be planted then?
01 Jun 19, karyn (Australia - temperate climate)
was thinking about harvesting mine too today would love some feedback on this xX
15 Sep 23, Mike Labuschagne (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
It is recommended to leave the tubers in the soil, they will grow by themselves when the climate allows them to.
17 May 19, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
So if I've just been given tubers (good gardener but never grown them before), they need to be stored like other tubers (spuds/kumaras) over winter? I have a couple of areas on the north side of a stucco house that definitely doesn't get frost - has anyone planted now and managed to overwinter them in the ground ok?
19 May 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Mike, you can leave the tubers in the ground in warmer areas of NZ, we have done that in Northland. In fact it is difficult to find all the tubers, so they will probably shoot up in the Spring even if you have light frosts.
12 May 19, j0hn farrugia (Australia - temperate climate)
how do you keep artichokes for the following year for replanting >?
06 Jun 20, GERRY C (Australia - temperate climate)
I know it's late but was looking up more info on them and saw this. I store them like I do bulbs, in a small cardboard box with air holes in a dark cupboard in the shed. I normally harvest through autumn and plant next years through spring. Don't know if it's the best way but works for me.
24 May 19, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
I just leave a few tubers in the ground. They regrow in the spring so long as they get a bit of water. Frost doesn't stop them.
Showing 91 - 100 of 301 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Jerusalem Artichokes

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.