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 May 12, Russell (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
what is the best way to store them?
17 May 12, Monica (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Found this reference on another website: Tubers are difficult to store because of the thin skin which permits shrinkage and injury that leads to decay. They keep perfectly if left in the soil until needed, freezing does no damage. Although they cannot be harvested from frozen soil, tubers for spring planting are best left in place until spring. They should then be harvested and handled promptly before they sprout appreciably. Tubers should not be left in poorly drained soil. Good, sound, diseasefree tubers can be successfully kept several months in cold storage at a high humidity and a temperature of 0°C.
13 Apr 12, Roy (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where are Jerusalem Artichoke tubers available from in the Edenvale area? (East Rand.)
05 Apr 12, DAVID (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
when do i harvest in south africa
02 Dec 14, liberty (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi david, l am looking for jerusalem artichoke tubers, do you have any in stock
30 Nov 11, VIVIENNE (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
These are so so yummy! I scrub wash under running water, boil them in salted water, or steam them, they don't need a long time cooking, so do test before you strain them. I then chop finally continental parsley and garlic, sprinkle this over J A drizzle olive oil salt and pepper, and this is a great dish to have with canned tuna, olives etc etc..Oh...the gas comes free :)
13 Nov 11, nerida (Australia - temperate climate)
I got a lot from my grandfather one year but made the mistake of dishing them up to a group of friends just before we went to see a play..... those who have eaten them before can imagine the consequences. Really yummy, but unfortunately they do have a side effect not compatible with a quiet live theatre.
25 Oct 11, Ruth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hey all, dont grow these bulbs in your vegie patch, they will take over the whole area in no time although delicious I would never ever plant them again, cheers and happy gardening
23 Jul 11, Ann (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Today I bought a net of JA tubers to plant at Bunnungs. $12 for 8. I asked about 8 weeks ago and they weren't avail. Are now, though! (23/7/11)
18 Jul 11, Helen Jack (Australia - tropical climate)
where can I buy them
Showing 281 - 290 of 301 comments

I got a lot from my grandfather one year but made the mistake of dishing them up to a group of friends just before we went to see a play..... those who have eaten them before can imagine the consequences. Really yummy, but unfortunately they do have a side effect not compatible with a quiet live theatre.

- nerida

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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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