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

18 Jul 11, Helen Jack (Australia - tropical climate)
where can I buy them
22 Jul 11, hz (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Helen, this site says "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. " - and I entirely agree !! I bought two small ones in Safeway (NSW) in November and planted them in a boring spot, no soil preparation at all. I got ZILLIONS of them - the soil simply heaved up and when I dug, there were beautiful JA's. Mind you, I use them sparingly in the kitchen because of the side effects lol. BUT, they are a handy addition for bulk to winter dishes and stirfries, now I can pop out into the garden and dig a couple up at any time. So watch and wait for your supermarket to have some for sale, after one season you will be self-sufficient ! Good Luck
23 Jul 11, Ann (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Today I bought a net of JA tubers to plant at Bunnungs. $12 for 8. I asked about 8 weeks ago and they weren't avail. Are now, though! (23/7/11)
25 Oct 11, Ruth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hey all, dont grow these bulbs in your vegie patch, they will take over the whole area in no time although delicious I would never ever plant them again, cheers and happy gardening
13 Nov 11, nerida (Australia - temperate climate)
I got a lot from my grandfather one year but made the mistake of dishing them up to a group of friends just before we went to see a play..... those who have eaten them before can imagine the consequences. Really yummy, but unfortunately they do have a side effect not compatible with a quiet live theatre.
30 Nov 11, VIVIENNE (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
These are so so yummy! I scrub wash under running water, boil them in salted water, or steam them, they don't need a long time cooking, so do test before you strain them. I then chop finally continental parsley and garlic, sprinkle this over J A drizzle olive oil salt and pepper, and this is a great dish to have with canned tuna, olives etc etc..Oh...the gas comes free :)
05 Apr 12, DAVID (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
when do i harvest in south africa
02 Dec 14, liberty (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi david, l am looking for jerusalem artichoke tubers, do you have any in stock
13 Apr 12, Roy (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where are Jerusalem Artichoke tubers available from in the Edenvale area? (East Rand.)
05 May 12, Russell (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
what is the best way to store them?
Showing 11 - 20 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.