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 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
22 May 11, Mukluk (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have found them to be almost embarasingly productive. One small root produces about 1kg of food for us.
04 Apr 11, Charlie (Australia - temperate climate)
Please be careful giving advice re: diabetes. Inulin may sound like insulin, but it does NOT mimic insulin. Inulin is a type of oligosaccaride whereas insulin is a polypeptide; two entirely different classes of bichemical molecules.
05 Mar 11, Peri (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have stacks of these and find they are a great substitute for bamboo shoots in a curry or stir fry. Peal, slice thinly and throw them in at the end so they stay a little crispy.
04 Jul 10, Denise (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I love these and find the best way to cook them is unpeeled and they then peel easily, with fingers, while hot. Delicious - like a cross between an artichoke heart and a kipfler potato
04 Jun 10, Lara (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
These are very versatile.I make soup,saute,mash,boil them. I leave them in the ground in winter and dig up as I need them. Good if you have diabetes as has inulin (mimics insulin).
01 Jun 10, Andrea (Australia - tropical climate)
Cooking tip: These are unbelievably delicious eaten when mashed half half with potatos. I am sorry they don't grow up where I live.
29 May 10, Eve (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
We had our first crop of these last year. Really delicious - similar to potato but with a nutty flavour.
Showing 161 - 169 of 169 comments

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