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 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 12, Val O (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks to you all who advised me
15 Jul 12, Di (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Mine live in the soil all winter. Its a raised bed with good drainage though. I usually collect the ones I need throughout the dormant period and leave the rest. Manure in spring and away you go.
14 Jul 12, Andrew (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I wondered the same thing about two months ago when I got some. I saw it starting to dry out so planted in pot with top showing to observe. Root never looked back and with sun on it is clearly photosynthesizing and just waiting for warmer weather to burst forth.
13 Jul 12, Justine (Australia - temperate climate)
Just pot them up into a pot with some good potting mix and compost, keep moist but not wet. Pot them out when they sprout. I leave them in the ground here, the dont usually rot over winter.
05 Jul 12, sharon (Australia - tropical climate)
I've just harvested 4 kg from 3 small plants I brought home from my folks in SEQld at xmas. Couldn't leave them in the ground as they were beginning to soften - would have led to rot int he coming wet season . Well drained soil but too wet and warm here to winter them in ground. Now I am looking for alternative storage methods. Does anyone know if you can parboil and freeze them?
14 Jul 12, Gary M (Australia - temperate climate)
I would try storing undamaged tubers in dry sand, and store in a cool place.
29 Jun 12, Jenny (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I think I bought mine in the "Red Chiili" shop in Bourbong St, Bundy. Look in the vegie ssection of shops which tend to sell more alternative type shops.
24 Jun 12, Joey (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Will the Jerusalem Artichokes grow in the Bundaberg Qld Area, And where can you buy them.
28 Jun 12, RJ (Australia - tropical climate)
I just found some in Mitre 10 in Atherton, North Queensland so trying them out. They were a staple back in southern New Zealand when I was a kid.
18 Jun 12, Narelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you eat them raw?
Showing 141 - 150 of 169 comments

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