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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
14 Oct 15, Jennifer (USA - Zone 7a climate)
They taste a little bitter at that stage... Sweeter in the fall:)
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jan 13, joanne green (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
hi im in mudgee nsw .mine are going really well .i put all lawn clippings on top in winter they seem to love it.if you have any cooking tips please let me know.and if you want any your welcome to have
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Jan 13, Mel (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in Perth, this year my J. Artichokes have not come up....Cannot work out why? I did put some ash from the fire onto them during winter? Any ideas ?? (Jan 2013)
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Dec 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When do you know they ate ready for harvesting
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Dec 12, granny peg (Australia - temperate climate)
ready to eat when the flowers die down is autumn. keep plants contained in their own bed. will rapidly spread and take over your garden! enjoy
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Dec 12, DARREN (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi all was just wondering how tall everyones plants are if you are living in brisbane area I am just trying to gauge how well mine are doing compared to others.For people who are after them in brisbane area try the wonderful fruit shop in kenmore village or contact me next year as mine are thriving fingers crossed
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Nov 12, margot (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Same problem - wherecan I buy these and how well do they growin SE Qld?
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Nov 12, Peter Hallam (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I buy Jerusalem Artichokes in Australia for most of the year? Where can I buy Jerusalem Artichokes?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Oct 12, Claud (Australia - temperate climate)
Got some tubers today oct 12 from the local vege shop in Wollongong . have placed one tuber aside in a vase of jelly christals that absorb water and release gradually. When some shoots form, I,ll pot it up and see how it goes. Hope it goes well. I,ll update as I get more details
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Sep 12, Darren (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Whats the trick with germinating these ?My first lot from bunnings Iput into the ground and they rotted did Iplant too early or should I not water them till they sprout.Ibought an established plant in a pot and its doing well.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 241 - 250 of 301 comments
See comments for all plants

No one responded so I will. I do not know for certain. I shop at farmer's market where 2 organic farmers grow and sell these. Both know I grow much of my own food. The guy I normally buy these from never suggested I plant any.. He had ended for the season and I purchased from the other grower. She was telling everyone to plant some of what they buy. HOWEVER she often sales pitches to clear out stock. Also they are zone 4 - 5 -along the river near Kamloops.. I'm at much higher elevation in an unpredictable area. I long ago quit buying zone 4 plants due to cold snaps that hit every few years. I'm going to try a couple roots this fall if I can get them in this week. (end Oct, 1st of Nov -the next snow might stay). If you have access to them I suggest you try a few too. All the local growers who are at warmer elevations than I start their garlic in the fall and say it needs the extra growing time. These may need the settling in time too. Trial and error is the best bet in these climates. I'm on a hillside and after 30+ years still marvel how some plants do well in one area but not 10-15 meters away. I think it's related to underground moisture. Good luck!

- rita near kamllops

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.