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

29 Aug 12, hz (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I bet they'll grow and in 2 yrs you will be trying to eradicate them lol !
21 Aug 12, Jill (Australia - temperate climate)
I am worried about them becoming unmanageable in time and spreading into neighbouring beds. Can you contain them somehow to a small patch?
15 Nov 12, Andrew S (Australia - temperate climate)
Can be a pain when they do spread.. had an accident where some escaped into long grass..now I have five new plants. I grow mine in a 1/2 wine barrel. Also plant in some climbing beans to run up the stalks during summer to value add the crop.
27 Jul 12, Alan (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Could you please give some advice to planting artichokes in west Aussie I live in the Perth are what is the best time to plant them where I live thanking you
16 Jan 13, Hans Rudolf Wellinger (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted mine in September in Perth, after having bought some fresh tubers in Bunnings. They are now over 2m tall and doing very well. I am not sure why they grow so well, because I have tried them unsucessful on several occasions before.
19 Jul 12, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
They will be fine Val. You can't kill them, and they grow fast and multiply. I started with three small corms (2cm across), about 4 years ago. I now have a patch about 3 metres square.
19 Jul 12, Meg (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When are Jerusalem artichokes in the shops? I live south of Melbourne. Thanks
18 Jul 12, Anthony (Australia - temperate climate)
Would they grow if u put the peels in the soil
04 Sep 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
yes they will.
13 Jul 12, Val O (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I saw some jerusalem artichokes in Woolies, and bought them intending to plant, but I see that it is in our warm weather you advise, if I plant them now in July will they just rot in the ground. If so how can I store them as they hardly ever appear in the stores
Showing 131 - 140 of 169 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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