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

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16 Jan 13, Hans (Australia - temperate climate)
For all of you who may be concernded about undesirable side effects from eating Jerusalem artichokes: Try sprinkling a pinch or two of Asa Foetida powder into the appropriate cooking utensil just before completing the cooking. The Indian vegetarians have used Asa Foetida for centuries, to combat and eliminate flatulence caused by bean and other vegetarian dishes. It could work with the Artichokes too.
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25 Feb 13, Jacqueline (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Where do we acquire Asa Foetida from please?
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14 Jan 13, Jen (Australia - temperate climate)
can Jerusalem Artichokes be eaten before the flowers appear?When they are small, round and white.
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14 Oct 15, Jennifer (USA - Zone 7a climate)
They taste a little bitter at that stage... Sweeter in the fall:)
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05 Jan 13, joanne green (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
hi im in mudgee nsw .mine are going really well .i put all lawn clippings on top in winter they seem to love it.if you have any cooking tips please let me know.and if you want any your welcome to have
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03 Jan 13, Mel (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in Perth, this year my J. Artichokes have not come up....Cannot work out why? I did put some ash from the fire onto them during winter? Any ideas ?? (Jan 2013)
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09 Dec 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When do you know they ate ready for harvesting
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21 Dec 12, granny peg (Australia - temperate climate)
ready to eat when the flowers die down is autumn. keep plants contained in their own bed. will rapidly spread and take over your garden! enjoy
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01 Dec 12, DARREN (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi all was just wondering how tall everyones plants are if you are living in brisbane area I am just trying to gauge how well mine are doing compared to others.For people who are after them in brisbane area try the wonderful fruit shop in kenmore village or contact me next year as mine are thriving fingers crossed
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27 Nov 12, margot (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Same problem - wherecan I buy these and how well do they growin SE Qld?
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Showing 241 - 250 of 304 comments
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I've been growing these for some years now and am a huge fan. Absolutely LOVE them. So do my chickens, turkeys, horses, sheep, cattle and dogs. All except dogs will eat tops and tubers. Dogs only eat the tubers. Cats don't much care for any part of them tho. Cooking tips: I like them best roasted. Cut into 1" x 1" (2cm x 2cm) or so, put on a cookie sheet, drizzle with olive or coconut oil, salt, pepper maybe a little basil or rosemary. Roast at 350F (180C) for 25 - 40 min. They come out about the same consistency as roasted garlic - almost like a paste. Use on a nice cracker with a small slice of cream cheese. Side with a glass of a nice, oaky Chardonnay, a good movie and a sexy friend. I'm done. Night, night. Growing tips: don't do anything to them except give them water and some good manure. If you want to get fancy, cut off the flowers and put them in a vase in the kitchen. (Stripping the flowers puts more energy into the tuber production.) Ungrowing tips: If you want to get rid of them, mow them off once a week and don't water. Turn out pigs or chickens. They will dig up every living morsel and consume it. CAUTION! Do NOT use a rototiller on them. It cuts the tubers into microslices and only encourages them to propagate. Enjoy your sunchokes. They are a gift from the gods.

- Deborah Wells

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