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

16 Jun 16, Andrée Prentice (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have a surplus of organic grown Jerusalem artichockes. What would be a reasonable price per 500gr if I sold the at the local growers' market ? Thanks for your help' Andrée
10 Jul 13, Nicole Masters (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Does anyone know where i can source bulk tubers from? thanks Nicole
31 Aug 13, Selina (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It depends what you mean by bulk. I have just bought a kilo on Trade Me from a lady in Napier.
01 Sep 12, Heather (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I promise they will grow. My tips - to harvest them only one plant at a time - or 'bandicoot' a few tubers from the side. Really fresh tubers - I mean today's - don't need peeling, just scrub. When replanting, save the smoothest tubers. I kept them going for four or five generations and managed to get an easy-peel strain going. If you have too many [and who doesn't?] goats love the tops and chickens love the tubers. Eating toast with artichoke soup tends to reduce the anti-social after-effects. Warning! If you leave a whole plant in the ground from year to year, it will still grow but you will end up with amazingly complex unpeelable tubers.
13 Dec 10, Scott (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
VERY invasive, but we do have them here for sale in our community gardens
Showing 41 - 45 of 45 comments

Try checking here before planting anything. You planted early winter instead early spring. This is what happens when people plant out of season. If you had a wet winter they may be rotten. Dig around the tubers to see how they are.

- Another gardener

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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.
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