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 8°C and 15°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 - 45 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Tomatoes, cucumbers
  • Jerusalem Artichoke/Sunchoke
  • Artichoke harvest

These are the edible root of a sunflower. Plant the tubers deep enough to cover with soil. They are quite drought-tolerant, but keep well-watered to grow larger tubers. They grow through the summer to 1.5 m tall sunflowers with a smallish flower. Dig up the tubers when the flowers die down in autumn.

Get a couple of tubers from the supermarket or fruit shop. Two years after planting you will probably have enough to give away. Perennial, if you don't manage to harvest all the tubers they will regrow year after year.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Jerusalem Artichokes

Scrape clean or peel (add a tsp of lemon or vinegar to the water to stop the tubers browning). Steam, boil, or use in artichoke soup (make with artichokes and some stock). Caution - because they contain 'resistent starch' Jerusalem Artichokes are a great promoter of flatulence in some individuals.

Your comments and tips

23 Aug 24, Suzy (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Are Jerusalem Artichokes perinnials? Do I need to dig up and replant in spring? Zone 4a
21 Aug 24, Milton Zelman (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I live in zone 8a. It gets very warm here, until late November. Can I store my Jerusalem Artichoke tubers in the refrigerator until I plant them spring?
17 Aug 24, Jim bryan (USA - Zone 4b climate)
I live in zone 4 .I want to grow sun ray dwarf variety Jerusalem artichokes . Can I buy them now and plant now ?
22 May 24, Barbara (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Varieties of Jerusalem artichokes available at Livingseeds
03 May 24, Carl (Australia - tropical climate)
I live in Cairns in tropical far north Queensland. I'd like to attempt to grow jeruslalem artichokes in a raised vegetable patch.It is the autumn/ winter season now. Is it possible ?
21 Mar 24, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try the local organic stop
24 Jan 24, Annie (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Im in zone 9, will my sunchokes come back if no frost?
01 Nov 23, Cindy (USA - Zone 10a climate)
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?
16 Oct 23, Tina (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Yikes, I thought I could grow Sunchokes in zone 5 and bought a few. What do I do now? Can I still plant them in sunny spot or eat and wait next year? Are they still good if they got soft? I forgot them in the garage for a week. Thanks!
15 Oct 23, Dave M. (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Could you point me towards an NZ supplier please. Not having much luck finding one. Thank you.
Showing 1 - 10 of 301 comments

Helen, this site says "Get a couple of tubers from the supermarket or fruit shop. Two years after planting you will probably have enough to give away. Perennial if you don't manage to harvest all the tubers - they will regrow year after year. " - and I entirely agree !! I bought two small ones in Safeway (NSW) in November and planted them in a boring spot, no soil preparation at all. I got ZILLIONS of them - the soil simply heaved up and when I dug, there were beautiful JA's. Mind you, I use them sparingly in the kitchen because of the side effects lol. BUT, they are a handy addition for bulk to winter dishes and stirfries, now I can pop out into the garden and dig a couple up at any time. So watch and wait for your supermarket to have some for sale, after one season you will be self-sufficient ! Good Luck

- hz

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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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