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 P P P

(Best months for growing Jerusalem Artichokes in South Africa - Summer rainfall 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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03 Aug 17, Sheena Ridley (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Joemarie, I have some tubers for you- I stay 80kms from Oudtshoorn and do come that way.Contact me by email and we can organise.
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13 Apr 17, ROY HAUPT (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Like most of the queries, where can one get JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES? I'm kinda old now but remember my father growing them in Pretoria in the 1950's the goggle eyed face you get when asking at a greengrocer or even a nursery tells all.
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02 Jul 17, Mike (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Last year I bought some from Lifestyle Garden Centre, Randpark Ridge ( corner of Ysterhout and Beyers Naude ). They grew very slowly, probably not in a sunny enough spot.
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14 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
seedsforafrica.co.za have them available. They are a friendly plant and you won't need to buy many as they multiply rapidly.
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05 Dec 15, michelle (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I've never seen them in the supermarkets...where can I buy them?
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08 Nov 15, stewart (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy tubers in durban north area
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07 Nov 15, Stewart (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Can Jerusalem artichokes be grown for eating in durban kzn summer rain
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22 Jun 15, Jacques (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Live in port Alfred, where an I get them?
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29 Mar 15, Dick (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where can I buy tubers in East Cape? Jerusalem artichokes
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05 Oct 14, Anne Benn (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I live in Durban Kzn , where can I buy them
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Showing 21 - 30 of 43 comments
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I live on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and just bought 4lb Jerusalem Artichokes for planting. Can I plant now (October) or if I need to wait until Spring, how should I store them? Should I mulch if I plant now? Thank You

- Jim

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