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 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

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02 Sep 20, judy mortis (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Great. Thanks so much
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26 May 19, Alicia Korte (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I am ready to harvest my Jerusalem do I leave them in the ground to harvest them again in September or do I pick them now to be planted then?
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01 Jun 19, karyn (Australia - temperate climate)
was thinking about harvesting mine too today would love some feedback on this xX
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15 Sep 23, Mike Labuschagne (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
It is recommended to leave the tubers in the soil, they will grow by themselves when the climate allows them to.
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16 Oct 18, Catherine (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
In answer to those seeking advice about where to buy Jerusalem artichokes in Cape Town: I bought some Jerusalem artichokes at the Vineyard Deli, Kenridge, chopped them into small pieces and planted them in a large wooden container. The plants are now (October) about 50 cm high and not flowering yet, but looking extremely green and sturdy.
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20 Oct 18, Stacey Robinson (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I also found Jerusalem Artichoke plants at Ferndale Nurseries in Constantia, Cape Town!
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09 Apr 18, Dehlia Esterhuizen (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Would like to know if Sheena Ridley (3 Aug 2017) still have Jerusalem Artichoke tubers and the cost please. Or anybody else knowing where to buy for cooking
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17 Mar 18, Jonita Venter (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I am in the Somerset West, Cape province area and want to buy the bulb or the plant. you do not get it in stores or at nurseries. Is it possible that you can provide me with the information please. Regards Jonita.
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26 Feb 18, Mike (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am looking for Jerusalem artichokes bulbs for planting. In the Elgin Valley. Somerset nearby. Please email - thanks, mike
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07 Nov 17, Linda Swanborough (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy them in the Sandton, Fourways area? Thanks
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Showing 11 - 20 of 45 comments
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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.

- Deborah Wells

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