When to Plant Jerusalem Artichoke in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow August to October. Right now in September you can sow.

Also called sunchoke, sunroot.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Jerusalem Artichoke guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Jerusalem Artichoke

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes) are one of the easiest and most productive root vegetables for Australian gardens. A perennial sunflower relative that produces knobby, nutty-flavoured tubers underground. Virtually indestructible once established, producing heavy crops with almost zero maintenance. The catch: they are notoriously invasive, and the inulin they contain causes flatulence in many people. Plan your planting site carefully.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - - - D D D - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 6–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Jerusalem Artichoke in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

July to September. Plant at end of winter for harvest in autumn-winter. Subtropical conditions produce good crops if plants get enough cool autumn weather for tuber development.

Soil
Tolerates almost any soil but produces best tubers in loose, well-drained soil with moderate organic matter. Thrives in sandy loam to clay loam. Grows in poor soils where other crops fail. Deep soil produces larger tubers.
pH Range
5.8-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours). Tolerates partial shade but tuber production is reduced. Plants grow 2-3m tall and can shade other crops.
Spacing
35cm apart, 60cm between rows
Watering
Drought tolerant once established. Water regularly during tuber formation (summer-autumn) for larger yields. Weekly deep watering in dry spells. Overwatering is rarely an issue.

Companion plants: Corn (similar height/culture), Sunflower, Pumpkin

Avoid planting near: Low-growing crops that will be shaded (lettuce, strawberry)

Subtropical Growing Tips for Jerusalem Artichoke

Recommended Varieties

  • Fuseau
  • Dwarf Sunray
  • Common

Key Challenges

  • Warm autumns delaying tuber formation
  • Plants growing very tall (3m+) in rich soil
  • Containment

Pro Tips

  • SEQ can grow excellent Jerusalem artichokes
  • Plant in a contained area, they WILL spread
  • Cut stems to 1.5m in March to redirect energy to tubers

Harvesting Jerusalem Artichoke

When ready: Harvest after the stems die back from frost or natural senescence (usually May-June). Tubers are mature when plants have flowered and tops begin to yellow. Approximately 140-150 days from planting.

How to harvest: Cut dead stems to 10cm. Dig carefully with a garden fork, starting well outside the stem base. Tubers spread laterally up to 40cm from the main stem. Any tuber left in the ground WILL regrow. Harvest thoroughly if you want to contain the patch.

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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Common Questions About Jerusalem Artichoke

When do you plant jerusalem artichoke in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does jerusalem artichoke grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Aug to Oct. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

What else is jerusalem artichoke called?

Jerusalem artichoke is the usual Australian name. Overseas seed packets and recipes call it sunchoke, sunroot. Same plant, same growing advice.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.