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

02 Feb 19, Vic (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi. is there anyone here who can spare a small piece of Jerusalem Artichokes this time of the year. i only need a small portion to plant.
11 Apr 19, Helen Peipi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes I have plenty, can you e-mail your address, I'll send them to you by mail.
04 May 19, Gill Rodley (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I'd also be keen to have some tubers for growing if you still have some available (have fond memories of eating them as a kid from my fathers large garden). Happy to pay postage. Thanks
06 Feb 19, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Ask around nurseries or go on the internet and try and find garden clubs in NZ.
14 Jan 18, Phillip (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Does anyone have any JAs at this time of the year? I'm looking for up to 15 kilos but any amount ok. Jan 2018
24 Aug 18, Linda (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Phillip, I have 15kgs of JAs if you are still looking. Growing beautifully pretty much in the deep south. Will still have then in Jan next year.
21 Sep 18, Pat shannon (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Linda Do you have any seed tubers now (Oct)?
17 Feb 17, Deborah Wells (USA - Zone 7a climate)
I've been growing these for some years now and am a huge fan. Absolutely LOVE them. So do my chickens, turkeys, horses, sheep, cattle and dogs. All except dogs will eat tops and tubers. Dogs only eat the tubers. Cats don't much care for any part of them tho. Cooking tips: I like them best roasted. Cut into 1" x 1" (2cm x 2cm) or so, put on a cookie sheet, drizzle with olive or coconut oil, salt, pepper maybe a little basil or rosemary. Roast at 350F (180C) for 25 - 40 min. They come out about the same consistency as roasted garlic - almost like a paste. Use on a nice cracker with a small slice of cream cheese. Side with a glass of a nice, oaky Chardonnay, a good movie and a sexy friend. I'm done. Night, night. Growing tips: don't do anything to them except give them water and some good manure. If you want to get fancy, cut off the flowers and put them in a vase in the kitchen. (Stripping the flowers puts more energy into the tuber production.) Ungrowing tips: If you want to get rid of them, mow them off once a week and don't water. Turn out pigs or chickens. They will dig up every living morsel and consume it. CAUTION! Do NOT use a rototiller on them. It cuts the tubers into microslices and only encourages them to propagate. Enjoy your sunchokes. They are a gift from the gods.
20 Jan 17, Jackie Klever (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Ahipara, 90 Mile Beach. Where can I buy the seeds or seedlings? Cannot find any up here.
15 Feb 17, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought mine off the internet.
Showing 31 - 40 of 45 comments

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.

- Fiona Buchanan

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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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