Jerusalem Artichoke Growing Guide
Asteraceae family
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Vegetative / Root Development
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 16 | May 11 | — | Sep 8 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 16 | May 11 | — | Sep 8 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 6 | May 1 | — | Aug 29 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 16 | May 11 | — | Sep 8 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 13 | May 8 | — | Sep 5 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 6 | May 1 | — | Aug 29 |
| Zone 4a | Feb 24 | Apr 21 | — | Aug 19 |
| Zone 4b | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | — | Aug 15 |
| Zone 5a | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 6a | Feb 17 | Apr 14 | — | Aug 12 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | — | Jul 30 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | — | Jul 30 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 30 | Mar 27 | — | Jul 25 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 25 | Mar 22 | — | Jul 20 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 11 | Mar 8 | — | Jul 6 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 9 | Mar 6 | — | Jul 4 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 30 | Feb 24 | — | Jun 24 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 12 | Feb 6 | — | Jun 6 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 19 | Jan 14 | — | May 14 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 19 | Jan 14 | — | May 14 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 6 | Jan 1 | — | May 1 |
| Zone 12a | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 12b | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 13a | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 13b | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Apr 17 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Jerusalem Artichoke?
Jerusalem Artichoke takes approximately 120 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Jerusalem Artichoke need?
Jerusalem Artichoke requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Jerusalem Artichoke?
Plant Jerusalem Artichoke at 18/sqft using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Jerusalem Artichoke survive frost?
Jerusalem Artichoke is tolerant of light frost.
How long does Jerusalem Artichoke take to germinate?
Jerusalem Artichoke seeds germinate in 10-21 days at an optimal temperature of 75°F.
When should I start Jerusalem Artichoke seeds indoors?
Start Jerusalem Artichoke seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Plant in a contained area; it spreads aggressively
- Harvest after first frost for sweetest flavor
- Tubers store poorly; leave in ground and dig as needed
Common Pests & Diseases
- Slugs
- Sclerotinia rot
- Generally pest-free above ground
Harvest Notes
Dig tubers after frost through early spring. Any tuber pieces left in soil will regrow. Eat raw in salads or roast until caramelized.
Plan Your Jerusalem Artichoke Garden
Track Jerusalem Artichoke from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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