Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) Gallery

Jerusalem artichokes love the Australian sun, ideal for our climate. Roast them for a nutty, sweet treat similar to potatoes.

Besides their edible tubers, these plants are also a great summer windbreak. They're useful for protecting your veggie patch.

Plant your Jerusalem artichokes in spring, cutting the tuber into sections with an ‘eye.' They love full sun and a good supply of potassium.

Jerusalem artichokes thrive in just about any soil, but they prefer light, sandy soil.

Jerusalem artichokes can grow up to 3m high so give them plenty of space!

The tubers are best harvested 4 to 6 weeks after flowering. In cooler, well-drained areas, dig them up as you need them. In the subtropics, you’re better off harvesting them all at once to prevent rot.

Jerusalem artichokes are a great animal food, too. Especially pigs – they love rooting up the tubers!

Scrub the tubers (don't peel) and use them baked, in soups and stews, or raw in salads.

Our pony with the Jerusalem artichoke in the background.

Our pony loves to clean up the grass around the edges of the raised garden beds!

A flowering Jerusalem artichoke is a magnet for insects!