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

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!
24 Sep 18, Greta (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I originally took free tubers left by a neighbour on the kerb. I planted five in a raised garden bed of one metre diameter. I've harvested about 5 kg of them! I've been giving them away, cooking & eating them, frozen the last batch as well. I call them fartichokes. They're a handsome plant with pretty flowers that don't appear until late summer.
18 Sep 18, allan clark (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
can an artichoke be broken or cut into several pieces to be able to plant more?
19 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google growing them and go to the green harvest website.
10 Aug 18, Wendy Starkey (Australia - temperate climate)
I have bought them from Tony Ayles fruit n Veg in Jandakot.WA...
03 Jul 18, Jan Green (Australia - tropical climate)
Good afternoon, I've read contradicting info that jerusalem artichokes will and won't grow in the tropics. Can you tell me definitely which is right please. I have tried once to grow them in Townsville with no success at all. Are there guidelines for getting good results in the tropics or are they just not suited to the climate. Thank you Jan
11 Jul 18, Brett (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a couple of month old one that I got for 10c at Bunnings. From what I have read, they really struggle with the heat during summer. I can attest to the fact that they hate water logged soil. Both of these sound like deal breakers in the tropics. I get the impression they would be the perfect plant for cooler temperate areas. If you are really keen, maybe you could try a single one in a large pot in a shaded and covered area and see if it survives the summer. At least you could reduce soil temperature and the amount of water it gets this way. I assume planting now and getting it established before it hits summer would also help.
04 Jul 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It indicates here that artichokes don't grow in the tropics. There is probably a reason/s why - too wet - too hot. If you look at sub tropical it says plant Aug to Oct. That would be the best time to plant. You will never know until you try it.
19 Jun 18, kenneth (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can I grew them in zone 5a?
18 Apr 22, Shayne (USA - Zone 5a climate)
They grew really well in Tropic Utah, which is high elevation by Bryce Canyon.
Showing 121 - 130 of 301 comments

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