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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
02 May 20, Fiona Buchanan (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hello I've just been given a huge bag of Jerusalem artichokes. No problems in using them but I want to keep some tubers to plant out at then of winter /spring. Can anyone tell me how to store them until then.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 May 20, Anon (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Plant a few them out now. As sunflowers, they are prettier in a north facing spot. They'll be fine as long as they get a bit of water. Be warned they can be quite invasive over a couple of year period if you're not careful.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 May 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Google how to store them.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Apr 20, Anne (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Do you think I could grow these in the Wairarapa? We have frosts to about -5 in winter.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 May 20, Christie (New Zealand - temperate climate)
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!
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Jan 20, Elaine Brown (New Zealand - temperate climate)
hi, I found keeping the tubers in damp sawdust was ok, but the last season I dug what I wanted and left the rest in the ground over winter dug up in september and planted them out, now I have a forest of them . hope this helps
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Nov 19, STEPHANIE LIEBERT (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi I bought some Jerusalem Artichoke tubers on trade-me a few months back and they have been dormant in the ground since about June. I am in Auckland, and the spot they are in is sheltered and sunny. NOTHING has come up yet. Should I worry?
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Nov 19, Another gardener (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try checking here before planting anything. You planted early winter instead early spring. This is what happens when people plant out of season. If you had a wet winter they may be rotten. Dig around the tubers to see how they are.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Aug 19, Brian GRIBBEN (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Where can I acquire some tubers to grow I live in Auckland?
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Aug 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Search on-line where to buy JA in NZ.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 11 - 20 of 45 comments
See comments for all plants

I'm thinking of growing this as a fodder crop for my wiltshire sheep and ducks. Does anyone have experience with jerusalem artichokes as a fodder plant? I already have a nice health first years patch that has grown and has died down for the winter - I'm wanting to plant some of these tubers out in one of my paddocks (randomly spaced to eventually out grow some pesky weeds we have growing).

- Diana

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.