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Growing Jerusalem Artichokes, also Sunchoke

(Helianthus tuberosus)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
      P           P    

(Best months for planting Jerusalem Artichokes in USA - Zone 5a regions)

P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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: Tomatoes, cucumbers
  • Artichoke harvest

These are the edible root of a sunflower. Plant the tubers deep enough to cover with soil. They are quite drought-tolerant, but keep well-watered to grow larger tubers. They grow through the summer to 1.5m-tall sunflowers with a smallish flower. Dig up the tubers when the flowers die down in autumn.

Get a couple of tubers from the supermarket or fruit shop. Two years after planting you will probably have enough to give away. Perennial if you don't manage to harvest all the tubers - they will regrow year after year.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Jerusalem Artichokes

Scrape clean or peel (add a tsp of lemon or vinegar to the water to stop the tubers browning). Steam, boil, or use in artichoke soup (make with artichokes and some stock). Caution - Jerusalem Artichokes are a great promoter of flatulence in some individuals.


Your comments and tips

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10 Jun 13, Peter hallam (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. I have just purchased a kilo of JA at our local Supermarket. If I plant each tuba now (June 2013) without any shoots on them, when could I expect a crop for eating? Is the supermarket the best place to buy JA for propagating?
13 Jun 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
JA's are the toughest of tough tubers. Wait until winter is finished and plant SIX of your tubers. They will grow through spring and summer, flower in late summer (with a wimpy type sunflower (will look wimpy compared to the sunflower you get seeds from). Where I am, in May the flowers finish, the stems die, and the earth heaves up, and one sunny Sunday arvo you dig up about five fold the tubers you planted. PLUS, you don't get them all......... without doing anything at all, for the next 15 years, you have JA's........ Good Luck...... PS Mine came from a supermarket, and I started with a dozen in 2 square meters, I have finally got them down to ONE SQUARE METRE and that's enough for us !! In Coff's you will way surpass me "hands off" endeavours of 15 years................. enjoy !
06 May 13, Margaret (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Jerusalem artichokes can be baked, steamed or boiled and are nice served with a melted butter sauce. If you don't dig them up until the stems have died , you will have less problems with flatulence
06 May 13, Di (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have one plant that is dying off, one just finished flowering - both from last year's crop. I'll be digging tomorrow, yippee. I have always had them roasted or boiled. Love them but yes, flatulence is a problem.
14 May 13, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Di I was wondering how much yield you got from your plants I am also a sub tropical grower and considering it was the first time I grew them very happy with my results still picking them and next year will grow 10 times the amount cheers
02 May 13, Deb Hyde (Australia - temperate climate)
We started growing them in large raised area because my partner swears by them for his rheumatoid arthritis. Eats 1 raw every day!
25 Apr 13, watson (Australia - tropical climate)
Courious to know if anyone had tried growing these on the coast near rockhampton with any success???
26 Apr 13, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi mate I live in Brissie and grew them first time this year Ijust harvested 2kgs from 1 plant .Was worried about the rotting due to the cyclone we both experienced but it was all good.Might be a good idea to put them in a very well drained area or try a pot so you can move it if it doesn't stop raining otherwise Ithink you should do well.Also don't overwater when you plant it waiit till it sprouts good luck
18 Apr 13, Sue Harris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I am actually living in Belize - which isn't given as a country option. I have some JA tubers, anyone in the Caribbean or Central America know when is best to plant them? Also, what kind of soil suits them best? I have grown these in UK, love them roasted and put up with the gas. In our house they are known as fartichokes.
18 Apr 13, John Hayward (Australia - temperate climate)
Good Morning All, I am looking to purchase some Jerusalem Artichoke Tablets or Capsuals for my own use as I am a Diabetic. Where can I get them. Would appreciate your help. Kind Regards John Hayward Adelaide
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These are realy nice raw too. It is the first year I have grown them and they are so easy to grow with loving neglect!

- Belinda


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