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

14 Jan 18, Warren (Australia - arid climate)
In New Zealand (where Jerusalem Artichokes are also known as "Kiwi Yams") we roast them with a leg of lamb, sweet potatoes, parsnips, swedes and pumpkin.
25 Feb 17, Ruth L. (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Sandy, careful JA's are verye invasive, my husband calls them "*artyjokes" for obvious reasons.... my favourite is frying the peeled and thickly sliced roots in olive oil/butter with heaps of homegrown garlic cloves, add pepper and salt ....yummmo!! Jamie Oliver has a beef stew recipe that has JA's, its gorgeous, search for "Jools favourite beef stew or casserole online
24 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
There are numerous recipes on the internet. Google Jerusalem Artichoke recipes. Roasting, boiling, soups, stews, etc. Pick some of the stems for cut flowers. They are bright and cheery.
28 Jan 17, julianne simon (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When should i see the flowers bloom. My sunchokes are growing very tall, look amazingly healthy, but no flowers yet on January 28.
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Generally tubers do't form on plants like sunchokes and potatoes until after flowering. As with potatoes there will be some forming but they will be immature and not keep. Trust this helps.
04 Dec 16, kelvin (Australia - temperate climate)
my sunchokes are growing well in perth in improved bedding. question: Is it a good idea to remove lateral shoots from the main stem to improve growth?
05 Dec 16, John (Australia - arid climate)
I don't think it would make any difference as sunchokes are very tough and can be invasive if left. Any small tubers left in the ground will sprout next season. A lot of sunchokes I have seen are small and knobbly but some are plump and more rounded. If you get some nice rounded ones save them for next season and eat the small knobbly ones. Over a couple of seasons you will have all plump ones. Sunchokes are often called Jerusalem Artichokes. Trust this helps
13 Mar 16, natcha nottle (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
where's i Can get the Seed of "Sunchoke"
23 Feb 17, Sandy (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought a seedling last year from Bunnings. Might pay to keep an eye out. You can use bulbs you buy in the grocery store.
23 May 16, JimboC (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi natcha nottle I grew Jerusalem Artichokes for the first time last season. They came up a treat with little to no extra care required! I'm in Newcastle NSW and grew them in a sandy soil but I gather they are quite hardy and tolerate a lot of different climates and soil types. I got my Jerusalem Artichokes from the Diggers Club They sent me three tubers which all came up when planted and produced a LOT more tubers which I am harvesting now. Hope that helps. JimboC
Showing 61 - 70 of 169 comments

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