I thought it would be fun to plant some Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes) in an unused corner of my yard, as they don't need to be replanted from year to year.

I was going to order some, but I noticed the local supermarket has them in the produce section. Anyone know if they could be viable for planting? I'm willing to risk a less than 100% chance of success, but if the chances are zero I won't bother.

If the tubers look fairly fresh, I think they would grow very well. I have too much shade to grow them myself. A good info source for jerusalem artichokes is www.pfaf.org (plants for a future). The edible part of the plant is the tubers, so you would have to replant occasionally.

If you buy them from the grocery store, wash them off gently with some detergent and tepid water, just in case they are treated to prevent sprouting like regular Irish potatoes are. Then plant them a couple of inches deep in some good soil and full sun.

They're not very showy, kind of gangly, but they do wear a good disguise, as they look like common sunflowers.

Just be careful where you plant them. You will never find all the tubers, and they will resprout, so pick their site with the thought that they may be there forever.

Sue

Well, it worked. I planted 4 of them and they all sprouted and seem to be growing serveral inches a day. The area is not quite 100% sun so we'll see how they do.

I wish everything grew as well as the maple trees in my yard. A huge old tree dumps tons of seeds in my yard and seedlings spring up everywhere and grow like crazy. If I want a tree somewhere, I just wait and pretty soon one is there. Perhaps I should sell them on ebay...

Don't try to sell the trees, as you would be in violation of a ton of agricultural laws.

Just sell the seeds. "High germination rate". ;-)

Sue

Plant them in a pot! They spread (and you might not like them).