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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22 Jul 11, hz (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Helen, this site says "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. " - and I entirely agree !! I bought two small ones in Safeway (NSW) in November and planted them in a boring spot, no soil preparation at all. I got ZILLIONS of them - the soil simply heaved up and when I dug, there were beautiful JA's. Mind you, I use them sparingly in the kitchen because of the side effects lol. BUT, they are a handy addition for bulk to winter dishes and stirfries, now I can pop out into the garden and dig a couple up at any time. So watch and wait for your supermarket to have some for sale, after one season you will be self-sufficient ! Good Luck
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22 May 11, Mukluk (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have found them to be almost embarasingly productive. One small root produces about 1kg of food for us.
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04 Apr 11, Charlie (Australia - temperate climate)
Please be careful giving advice re: diabetes. Inulin may sound like insulin, but it does NOT mimic insulin. Inulin is a type of oligosaccaride whereas insulin is a polypeptide; two entirely different classes of bichemical molecules.
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05 Mar 11, Peri (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have stacks of these and find they are a great substitute for bamboo shoots in a curry or stir fry. Peal, slice thinly and throw them in at the end so they stay a little crispy.
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13 Dec 10, Scott (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
VERY invasive, but we do have them here for sale in our community gardens
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21 Aug 10, Kelly (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you try them deep fried like thin chips (crisps) mum put me onto this now I cant get enough - Growing my first lot this year! G'luck every one!
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15 Aug 10, Belinda (Australia - temperate climate)
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!
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04 Jul 10, Denise (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I love these and find the best way to cook them is unpeeled and they then peel easily, with fingers, while hot. Delicious - like a cross between an artichoke heart and a kipfler potato
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04 Jun 10, Lara (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
These are very versatile.I make soup,saute,mash,boil them. I leave them in the ground in winter and dig up as I need them. Good if you have diabetes as has inulin (mimics insulin).
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01 Jun 10, Andrea (Australia - tropical climate)
Cooking tip: These are unbelievably delicious eaten when mashed half half with potatos. I am sorry they don't grow up where I live.
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Showing 291 - 300 of 301 comments
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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

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