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

05 Jul 12, sharon (Australia - tropical climate)
I've just harvested 4 kg from 3 small plants I brought home from my folks in SEQld at xmas. Couldn't leave them in the ground as they were beginning to soften - would have led to rot int he coming wet season . Well drained soil but too wet and warm here to winter them in ground. Now I am looking for alternative storage methods. Does anyone know if you can parboil and freeze them?
14 Jul 12, Gary M (Australia - temperate climate)
I would try storing undamaged tubers in dry sand, and store in a cool place.
13 Jul 12, Val O (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I saw some jerusalem artichokes in Woolies, and bought them intending to plant, but I see that it is in our warm weather you advise, if I plant them now in July will they just rot in the ground. If so how can I store them as they hardly ever appear in the stores
13 Jul 12, Justine (Australia - temperate climate)
Just pot them up into a pot with some good potting mix and compost, keep moist but not wet. Pot them out when they sprout. I leave them in the ground here, the dont usually rot over winter.
14 Jul 12, Andrew (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I wondered the same thing about two months ago when I got some. I saw it starting to dry out so planted in pot with top showing to observe. Root never looked back and with sun on it is clearly photosynthesizing and just waiting for warmer weather to burst forth.
15 Jul 12, Di (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Mine live in the soil all winter. Its a raised bed with good drainage though. I usually collect the ones I need throughout the dormant period and leave the rest. Manure in spring and away you go.
18 Jul 12, Val O (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thanks to you all who advised me
18 Jul 12, Anthony (Australia - temperate climate)
Would they grow if u put the peels in the soil
04 Sep 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
yes they will.
19 Jul 12, Meg (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When are Jerusalem artichokes in the shops? I live south of Melbourne. Thanks
Showing 31 - 40 of 296 comments

Can you eat them raw?

- Narelle

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