How to grow Jerusalem Artichoke in New Zealand
Jerusalem artichoke, or sunchoke, is a perennial sunflower grown for its knobbly underground tubers, which have a sweet, nutty flavour roasted, in soups or raw. It is one of the easiest and most productive crops you can grow: plant a few tubers in late winter or spring and dig a bucketful in autumn and winter. The catch is that any piece left in the ground regrows, so plant it where it can spread or be contained.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Jerusalem Artichoke in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to October, January to April | |
| Auckland | August to October, January to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to October, January to April | |
| Central North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to October, January to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to October, January to April | |
| Canterbury | August to October, January to April | |
| Otago & Southland | September to November | Plant tubers Sep to Nov. Fully hardy; lift them through winter as you need them. |
| Central Otago | September to November | Plant tubers Sep to Nov. Fully hardy; lift them before the ground freezes or mulch deeply. |
Not to be confused with: Globe artichoke, an unrelated thistle grown for its flower buds.
Where to plant
Plant Jerusalem artichokes in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. They grow in almost any soil, but loose, compost-rich ground gives bigger, smoother tubers that are easier to dig.
The stems grow 1.5 to 3 m tall, so put them on the south side of the garden, where they will not shade other crops, or use them as a summer windbreak or screen. Give them a dedicated bed or a large container, because they spread and every tuber left behind sprouts the next year.
- North Island, Nelson and Marlborough and Canterbury: plant tubers from August to October, or from January to April in mild, free-draining spots.
- Otago and Southland: plant tubers from September to November. Fully hardy; lift them through winter as needed.
- Central Otago: plant tubers from September to November. Lift them before the ground freezes, or mulch the bed deeply so you can still dig.
Choosing a variety
| Variety | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fuseau | A French variety with smoother, longer tubers that are easier to peel than knobbly types, and good flavour |
| Dwarf Sunray | More compact plants, about 1.5 m, for smaller gardens, with white-skinned tubers |
Firm tubers from the greengrocer can also be planted.
How to plant
- Choose firm, healthy tubers. Large ones can be cut into pieces, each with two or three buds.
- Plant them about 10 cm deep and 40 to 50 cm apart, in rows about 1 m apart if you are planting several.
- Water in and keep moist until shoots appear.
- When plants are about 30 cm tall, draw soil up around the stems to steady them. In windy spots, stake or run a string along the row.
Watering and feeding
Water during dry spells in summer, especially while the plants are flowering and the tubers are forming. Otherwise they need little care.
They need little feeding. Dig some compost into the bed before planting; heavy feeding gives tall stems rather than more tubers.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pinching out the flower buds in late summer is said to push more energy into the tubers; leave a few for the bees if you like.
- Cut down the dead tops in late autumn or winter, once they have browned.
- To keep a patch from wandering, dig the whole bed each year and replant only the tubers you want.
Harvesting
Tubers are ready from autumn, once the leaves wither and the tops have died back completely. Fork them up carefully and dig only what you need, as they store best left in the ground over winter. Lifted tubers shrivel and toughen quickly; keep them in a paper bag in the fridge, or cover them with loose soil or sawdust in a corner of the garden, as for carrots.
To clear a bed, go over it carefully, as any tuber left behind will regrow. Jerusalem artichokes are known for causing wind in some people; cooking them well and eating small amounts at first helps.
Growing in pots
A large pot or tub at least 40 cm wide and deep keeps Jerusalem artichokes contained. Plant two or three tubers in good potting mix, stake the tall stems, and water regularly in summer. At harvest, tip the pot out and replant a few tubers.
Companion planting
Jerusalem artichokes are tall and vigorous, so they suit the edge of the garden. They grow well beside other tall summer crops.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Jerusalem artichokes are rarely troubled. Slugs on young shoots and mildew late in summer are the usual problems.
Pests to watch for
- Slugs New shoots chewed in spring.
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on the leaves late in summer; it rarely affects the tuber crop.
- Sclerotinia Stems collapse with white, cottony mould and hard black bodies inside, in damp weather. Remove and bin affected plants.
Common questions
When do I harvest Jerusalem artichokes?
From autumn, once the tops have died back completely, and through winter. Dig what you need, as the tubers keep best in the ground.
How do I stop Jerusalem artichokes spreading?
Grow them in a dedicated bed or a large container, and dig the whole patch each year, replanting only what you want. Any tuber left behind regrows.
Are Jerusalem artichokes related to globe artichokes?
No. Jerusalem artichoke is a sunflower grown for its tubers; globe artichoke is a thistle grown for its flower buds.
Why do Jerusalem artichokes cause wind?
The tubers store their energy as inulin, which some people digest poorly. Cook them well and start with small helpings.
Can I plant Jerusalem artichokes from the supermarket?
Yes. Firm, fresh tubers sprout readily. Plant them about 10 cm deep in late winter or spring.
How tall do Jerusalem artichokes grow?
Usually 1.5 to 3 m. Dwarf types such as Dwarf Sunray stay about 1.5 m. Plant them where they will not shade other crops.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow artichokes (globe and Jerusalem); Kahikatea Farm (NZ organic nursery): Jerusalem artichoke; Otago Daily Times: Your garden (Jerusalem artichoke storage).