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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08 Apr 14, bananabender (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've grown sunchokes successfully in Brisbane. They came up again the following year from pieces left in the garden. The secret is to make sure the soil is fairly dry (very well drained) over winter so they don't rot. If you live in the wet tropics I would suggest growing in a large tub or mounded to keep the tubers from getting waterlogged.
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01 Apr 14, Adri (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
When do they normally appear in shops so we can keep our eyes peeled? We grow so much of our own produce, we don't really frequent the greengrocer's anymore.
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04 Mar 14, Tony (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi people I'm from Bundaberg as well and are very interested to find out if anybody has had luck growing JA in the district
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17 Jun 14, Kevin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hey Tony, grew them in western nsw, and just got a few to try... planted a few in a small garden in a house block.... two years it was an mass of them... lol ... going to try them here out at Gin Gin, will see how they go....
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12 Feb 14, Barbara (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy tubers? I live in Winterton KZN - so would like to know the closest place where they are available.
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05 Feb 14, Kevin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I was wondering if anyone had seen JA in the Bundy area? We live 80klms west.
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11 Nov 13, [email protected] (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where in South Africa can I buy jerusalem artichoke tubers?
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16 Sep 13, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Bunnings are selling them at the moment, pack of 8 tubers
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03 Sep 13, greg (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
where can i buy jerusalem artichokes in johannesburg?
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24 Jul 15, Ron (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have grown them for the past eight years in Joeys. I supply friends and the local greengrocer in Parkview. Usually get about forty kilos a year. Harvest time is May through till late June. e-mail me if you want some next year 2016. Thanks Ron.
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