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 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
  • Jerusalem Artichoke/Sunchoke
  • Artichoke harvest

These are the edible root of a sunflower. Plant the tubers deep enough to cover with soil. They are quite drought-tolerant, but keep well-watered to grow larger tubers. They grow through the summer to 1.5 m tall sunflowers with a smallish flower. Dig up the tubers when the flowers die down in autumn.

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.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Jerusalem Artichokes

Scrape clean or peel (add a tsp of lemon or vinegar to the water to stop the tubers browning). Steam, boil, or use in artichoke soup (make with artichokes and some stock). Caution - because they contain 'resistent starch' Jerusalem Artichokes are a great promoter of flatulence in some individuals.

Your comments and tips

29 Oct 16, marie (USA - Zone 11b climate)
Does anyone have any knowledge of Jerusalem artichokes sunchokes growing in Hawaii?
19 Jun 18, kenneth (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can I grew them in zone 5a?
19 Jun 18, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Set your zone at the top of this page and check info there www.gardenate.com/plant/Jerusalem%2BArtichokes
22 Oct 19, Susan Butler (USA - Zone 5a climate)
My mother in law grew Jerusalem Artichokes at 9000ft
18 Apr 22, Shayne (USA - Zone 5a climate)
They grew really well in Tropic Utah, which is high elevation by Bryce Canyon.
26 Nov 18, Ethelyn Schaeffer (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Could I grow Jerusalem Artichoke in the desert? Any suggestions?
01 Jan 19, Georgette (USA - Zone 6b climate)
what state or place is the best place to grown sun chokes. we are thinking about growing them commercially and what to know if we need to move or what the best area is.
10 Nov 19, Mary (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Can I plant the chokes I just received in pots in my small, uheated greenhouse or should I hold them for Spring? If I should hold them, how do I do that?
03 May 20, Luciano zecchin (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Can I grow sunchokes in containers ? If so does it require anything special and when is the best time to plant?
23 Jun 20, Oriana (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I have the same question. Hoping someone responds...
Showing 1 - 10 of 29 comments

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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.
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