Growing Jerusalem Artichokes, also Sunchoke

Helianthus tuberosus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 10a regions

  • 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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29 Mar 15, Dick (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where can I buy tubers in East Cape? Jerusalem artichokes
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05 Oct 14, Anne Benn (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I live in Durban Kzn , where can I buy them
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17 Jun 14, (Australia - arid climate)
Where in Cape Town can I buy tubers of Jerusalem Artichokes
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01 Apr 14, Adri (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
When do they normally appear in shops so we can keep our eyes peeled? We grow so much of our own produce, we don't really frequent the greengrocer's anymore.
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12 Feb 14, Barbara (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy tubers? I live in Winterton KZN - so would like to know the closest place where they are available.
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11 Nov 13, [email protected] (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
where in South Africa can I buy jerusalem artichoke tubers?
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03 Sep 13, greg (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
where can i buy jerusalem artichokes in johannesburg?
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24 Jul 15, Ron (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have grown them for the past eight years in Joeys. I supply friends and the local greengrocer in Parkview. Usually get about forty kilos a year. Harvest time is May through till late June. e-mail me if you want some next year 2016. Thanks Ron.
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12 May 16, nathan (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Ron I want to buy Jerusalem artichoke from you.Have you got?Please supply email address Kindest of regards Nathan
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04 Jan 16, Ethel Currie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Ron, I am based in KZN but happy to pay freight or postage to get them to KZN. Can I please order from you and how much will you charge? Many thanks in advance.
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Showing 31 - 40 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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