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

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19 Apr 22, Darin (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Popped mine in poor soil about 3 inches deep in Nov (I read they don't like rich, amended soil). Haven't seen anything yet. Maybe sunchokes in zone 10b is a problem?
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21 Apr 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 10b climate)
The planting guide here says they won't grow in your zone.
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19 Apr 22, Lex (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have had a scratch and they are producing tubers, so they don't have to flower.
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17 Apr 22, Lex (New Zealand - temperate climate)
This is my first attempt at growing Jerusalem artichokes. I'm in a temperate zone and planted them in November. Only one plant has produced one flower! Will this be a problem?
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06 Mar 22, Coral Reynolds (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I bought some Jerusalem artichokes at the market / restaurant near Lanseria airport.We roasted some and made soup....delish.Then planted 4.At first thought they wouldnt grow...but dont give up ...today they are nearly 6 feet tall ...about to flower.Cant wait to harvest them !
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24 Jan 22, Cheryl Driscoll (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Can you please advise where I can buy Jerusalem Artichoke and have it delivered to N.B. Thank you
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26 Apr 23, Erin (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
chokedup.ca
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24 Oct 21, Tim (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I've grown these in large 50+ gallon size bags and they do very well, however the bags can dry out quickly. I've found it best to grow them in wicking barrels cut from the plastic 55 gallon drums. These are much easier to keep moisture to the tubers.
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25 Aug 21, Laura (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Hi All, Sunchokes or Jerusalem artichokes grow great in Edmonton Alberta. I grow them for the flowers in my flower beds at the back. They are a wonderful perennial veggie and in the colder zones, we are limited on or perennial edible plants.
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26 Jul 21, Leah Peterson (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Will Sunchokes die in extreme heat? Even with irrigation?
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Showing 41 - 50 of 301 comments
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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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