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

(Best months for growing Jerusalem Artichokes in New Zealand - cool/mountain 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
08 Apr 14, bananabender (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've grown sunchokes successfully in Brisbane. They came up again the following year from pieces left in the garden. The secret is to make sure the soil is fairly dry (very well drained) over winter so they don't rot. If you live in the wet tropics I would suggest growing in a large tub or mounded to keep the tubers from getting waterlogged.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Apr 14, Adri (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
When do they normally appear in shops so we can keep our eyes peeled? We grow so much of our own produce, we don't really frequent the greengrocer's anymore.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Mar 14, Tony (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi people I'm from Bundaberg as well and are very interested to find out if anybody has had luck growing JA in the district
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jun 14, Kevin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hey Tony, grew them in western nsw, and just got a few to try... planted a few in a small garden in a house block.... two years it was an mass of them... lol ... going to try them here out at Gin Gin, will see how they go....
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Feb 14, Barbara (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy tubers? I live in Winterton KZN - so would like to know the closest place where they are available.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Feb 14, Kevin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I was wondering if anyone had seen JA in the Bundy area? We live 80klms west.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Nov 13, [email protected] (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where in South Africa can I buy jerusalem artichoke tubers?
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Sep 13, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Bunnings are selling them at the moment, pack of 8 tubers
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Sep 13, greg (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
where can i buy jerusalem artichokes in johannesburg?
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Jul 15, Ron (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have grown them for the past eight years in Joeys. I supply friends and the local greengrocer in Parkview. Usually get about forty kilos a year. Harvest time is May through till late June. e-mail me if you want some next year 2016. Thanks Ron.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 191 - 200 of 301 comments
See comments for all plants

I just harvested the jerusalem artichoke that we planted last spring. The flowers were done but the plant was still alive. I have lots of small tubers and thick root with sprouts. Is all this OK to cook and eat?

- Cindy

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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. GardenGrow 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.