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

Your comments and tips

16 Jun 16, Andrée Prentice (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have a surplus of organic grown Jerusalem artichockes. What would be a reasonable price per 500gr if I sold the at the local growers' market ? Thanks for your help' Andrée
10 Jul 13, Nicole Masters (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Does anyone know where i can source bulk tubers from? thanks Nicole
31 Aug 13, Selina (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It depends what you mean by bulk. I have just bought a kilo on Trade Me from a lady in Napier.
01 Sep 12, Heather (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I promise they will grow. My tips - to harvest them only one plant at a time - or 'bandicoot' a few tubers from the side. Really fresh tubers - I mean today's - don't need peeling, just scrub. When replanting, save the smoothest tubers. I kept them going for four or five generations and managed to get an easy-peel strain going. If you have too many [and who doesn't?] goats love the tops and chickens love the tubers. Eating toast with artichoke soup tends to reduce the anti-social after-effects. Warning! If you leave a whole plant in the ground from year to year, it will still grow but you will end up with amazingly complex unpeelable tubers.
13 Dec 10, Scott (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
VERY invasive, but we do have them here for sale in our community gardens
Showing 41 - 45 of 45 comments

I’ve seen them growing in a few Wairarapa gardens - not sure if people water them but I’ve also seen them growing along side the Ruamahanga under one of the bridges so I guess it should be fine!

- Christie

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.