Growing Jerusalem Artichokes, also Sunchoke

Helianthus tuberosus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P                

(Best months for growing Jerusalem Artichokes in USA - Zone 5a 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

02 Aug 21, Jessica (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I only plant these in containers, because they spread like wild. I have used cloth bags and terra cotta. They grew very well in both. (Zone 7)
15 Sep 20, Skip Still (USA - Zone 7b climate)
When and how much sun for Jerusalem artichoke bulb? When to plant. Other recommendations (Gardenate : Check here www.gardenate.com/plant/Jerusalem Artichokes?zone=114 )
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.
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?
21 Apr 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 10b climate)
The planting guide here says they won't grow in your zone.
17 Aug 22, Troy (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I finally got some Jerusalem Artichokes from a grocery store for $4.99 a pound and cooked them. I like them but primarily because my doctor called them a Superfood for me. But saved 4 to plant is it too late, April to October, right?
04 Sep 22, (USA - Zone 7b climate)
April OR October.
19 Oct 22, Jim (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I live on the Alabama Gulf Coast, and just bought 4lb Jerusalem Artichokes for planting. Can I plant now (October) or if I need to wait until Spring, how should I store them? Should I mulch if I plant now? Thank You
25 Oct 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
It says plant Nov.
08 Nov 22, Carol (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I bought 5 tubers from Amazon, they're huge, about 4" wide! Can I cut them to make more plantings? Also, it says to plant in February, how do I store then until then? Don't want them to rot!
Showing 11 - 20 of 26 comments

I only plant these in containers, because they spread like wild. I have used cloth bags and terra cotta. They grew very well in both. (Zone 7)

- Jessica

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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. Gardenate 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.