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

14 May 17, sonia marie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have just received JA`s and want to plant them but we are into the colder months , should i store them and if so how or should i put them in the soil and wait for them to come up ? i dont want to lose these ive been searching for them forever
15 May 17, Giovanni (Australia - temperate climate)
I would store them in a pot filled with damp sand until spring. If you leave them out they will shrivel and if you plant them they may rot unless you have good drainage. Once established they are virtually indestructible and would survive most winters.
26 Apr 17, Wendy (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted a couple of JA's in spring and about 8 weeks ago they shot up with lovely yellow flowers. I cut these off fairly quickly hoping the growth would go back into the Tubers. I am guessing i could dig some up, but i would like to also move some of the tubers to another spot. Can i do this now or should i wait until the spring?
26 Apr 17, Giovanni (Australia - temperate climate)
You could 'raid' a few now if you wanted to. They would be riper when the plants start to die back for the winter. Even though they are just about indestructible it would be better to transplant them in the winter when they are dormant.
21 Apr 17, Alan (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I planted Jerusalem Artichoke in February. It is now April and the plants look healthy but have only reached about 1 mtr in height. They reached this height quite quickly but have not moved for about 4 weeks. Is this natural? Thank you.
23 Apr 17, Jonno (Australia - temperate climate)
There could be a number of reasons including; a dry spell, cooler weather, planted late in the season, etc. but if your plants are healthy I don't think you need worry.
13 Apr 17, ROY HAUPT (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Like most of the queries, where can one get JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES? I'm kinda old now but remember my father growing them in Pretoria in the 1950's the goggle eyed face you get when asking at a greengrocer or even a nursery tells all.
02 Jul 17, Mike (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Last year I bought some from Lifestyle Garden Centre, Randpark Ridge ( corner of Ysterhout and Beyers Naude ). They grew very slowly, probably not in a sunny enough spot.
14 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
seedsforafrica.co.za have them available. They are a friendly plant and you won't need to buy many as they multiply rapidly.
12 Mar 17, Garry Chellew (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can you purchase seed stock tubers
Showing 151 - 160 of 301 comments

My j/a are 3mtrs tall with lovely flowers, and are growing like wildflowers they are absolutely lovely, this is their 2nd season growing. I watered them everyday with plenty water. The tubes are massive. Not eating yet, just want them to grow. I live in Murupara, NZ.

- Helen peipi

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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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