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

21 Sep 18, Pat shannon (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Linda Do you have any seed tubers now (Oct)?
02 Feb 19, Vic (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi. is there anyone here who can spare a small piece of Jerusalem Artichokes this time of the year. i only need a small portion to plant.
06 Feb 19, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Ask around nurseries or go on the internet and try and find garden clubs in NZ.
11 Apr 19, Helen Peipi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes I have plenty, can you e-mail your address, I'll send them to you by mail.
04 May 19, Gill Rodley (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I'd also be keen to have some tubers for growing if you still have some available (have fond memories of eating them as a kid from my fathers large garden). Happy to pay postage. Thanks
09 Feb 19, Lyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
My first year JAs are well over 2 meters with no sign of flowers, have I given them too much water or does this mean a huge first crop?
10 Feb 19, mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I think you need to read the notes here. You eat the root in the ground - nothing to do with the flower I feel. Probably too much nitrogen and watering to have 2m plants.
13 Mar 19, Lyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Thanks Mike, yes I know to eat the tubers [luv them, my Father always had them in the vege garden-many years ago] think from your answer I may have watered too much. Was hoping as they had grown so tall that the tubers would be more, but...... I have read somewhere since posting my query, that if one stops them flowering a bigger crop is produced?
18 Mar 19, Lyn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
My boysenberry and blackberry plants are 'running rampant' I 'nipped' the ends out but now there is twice as many shoots going everywhere. Should I cut back now to encourage the 'bits' that will fruit next season or wait for autumn
31 Mar 19, Helen Peipi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Do you still need some j/a, the bottom leaves are slowly going btown
Showing 11 - 20 of 45 comments

Thanks Mike, yes I know to eat the tubers [luv them, my Father always had them in the vege garden-many years ago] think from your answer I may have watered too much. Was hoping as they had grown so tall that the tubers would be more, but...... I have read somewhere since posting my query, that if one stops them flowering a bigger crop is produced?

- Lyn

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