How to Grow Jerusalem Artichoke
Helianthus tuberosus
Jerusalem artichoke is an easy, vigorous crop grown for its knobbly, nutty-flavoured tubers harvested in winter. Plant tubers in spring in any reasonable soil and full sun — they need almost no attention and grow 2–3 m tall. Be warned that any tubers left in the ground will regrow, so plant where you can contain the spread or commit to thorough harvesting each year. Flavour improves after frost, so wait for the first cold snap before digging.
When to Start
Plant directly outdoors once soil temperature reaches 5°C. No seed starting needed — grow from bulbs, tubers, or sets.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Jerusalem artichokes are light feeders. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. Additional feeding is rarely needed on fertile ground.
- Jerusalem artichokes are vigorous and can be invasive — any tubers left in the soil will regrow. Plant where you can control the spread, or harvest thoroughly every year. Tubers improve in flavour after a frost.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 7–15°C
Pet Safety
- Direct sow
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 75 cm |
| Sow depth | 10 cm |
| Mature height | 250 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Pests & Diseases
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes and slime trails on young shoots and emerging tubers in spring.
- Apply wool pellets or crushed eggshells as a barrier around emerging plants.
- Set out beer traps at soil level to catch slugs overnight.
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets (safe around wildlife and pets).
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on shoot tips and undersides of leaves, often with sticky honeydew residue.
- Blast off with a strong jet of water.
- Encourage ladybirds and lacewings by planting companion flowers nearby.
- Spray with an insecticidal soap solution, covering undersides of leaves.
Pest Cutworms
Identification: Newly emerged shoots cut through at soil level; pale grey-brown caterpillars found in the top few centimetres of soil when investigated.
- Dig over the soil before planting to expose and remove larvae.
- Apply a biological nematode drench (Steinernema carpocapsae) to moist soil.
- No specific chemical treatment is commonly available for cutworms in UK home gardens; focus on cultural controls.
Disease Sclerotinia Stem Rot Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Symptoms: White fluffy mould at the base of stems, which then collapse and rot. Hard black fungal bodies (sclerotia) visible inside affected stems.
Treatment: Remove and destroy all infected plant material — do not compost. There is no effective chemical treatment for home gardeners.
Prevention: Avoid planting in waterlogged conditions. Rotate crops and do not plant in affected soil for at least 4 years.
Disease Powdery Mildew Golovinomyces cichoracearum
Symptoms: White powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces, typically appearing in late summer. Affected leaves may yellow and drop early.
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves. Apply a spray of diluted potassium bicarbonate or a plant-based fungicide.
Prevention: Water at the base rather than overhead. Ensure adequate spacing for airflow between plants.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 7–15°C |
| Base growth temperature | 6°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Jerusalem Artichoke?
- Plant Jerusalem Artichoke 30cm apart with 75cm between rows.
- Is Jerusalem Artichoke frost hardy?
- Jerusalem Artichoke is classified as Hardy.
