How Do You Seed Jerusalem Artichokes?

The planting part is pretty straightforward! You should plant Jerusalem artichoke seeds about 3 inches apart and 3 inches down. However, if you are planting tubers instead of seeds, they will need to be farther apart—at least 1 foot. Plant them a little deeper than the seeds, about 4-6 inches.

Can you start Jerusalem artichokes from seed?

Jerusalem artichokes are grown from tubers, rather than seeds. These are available in March and April from garden centres and online suppliers. Choose a sunny planting site, where there is plenty of space, as these are large plants.

How do you start Jerusalem artichokes?

The best way to grow Jerusalem artichokes is by planting the tubers in early spring. They should be spaced around 12 to 18 inches apart and planted no more than 5 inches deep. Make sure you don’t plant too deeply as this can result in a poor harvest.

How do you start artichoke seeds?

Start indoors in late winter, four to six weeks before the last frost date. Keep seedlings under bright lights. Sow two seeds per pot, 5mm (¼”) deep. Keep moist in a warm place until seeds germinate in 10 to 21 days.

Can I plant Jerusalem artichokes from the grocery store?

On March 1, we bought edible Jerusalem artichokes from a well-known grocery store and planted them in commercial potting soil in a re-used, covered plastic container. This type of container is great for starting any seed or tuber.

Can you leave Jerusalem artichokes in the ground?

Jerusalem Artichokes aren’t easy to store well but one of their advantages is that they’re quite happy left in the ground until you need them. If your ground tends to freeze, mulch well to ensure that you can extend the harvest period.

Do Jerusalem artichokes come back every year?

Like potatoes and other tubers, Jerusalem artichokes are persistent and will regrow from any tubers (or parts of tubers) left in the soil. So if you don’t want them coming back the following year, make sure you remove every last tuber when you harvest.

Can Jerusalem artichokes be grown in pots?

If you don’t think you have room for Jerusalem artichokes in the ground, you can grow them in large pots filled with equal parts John Innes compost and multi-purpose compost. Once planted, Jerusalem artichokes require little attention, although it is a good idea to water them in very dry spells in summer.

Are sprouting Jerusalem artichokes safe to eat?

Some were rotten (see notes for why). Some had already started sprouting again. Guess we waited too long. No worries, though, these are still edible.

How many artichokes do you get per plant?

A healthy plant should produce six to nine buds per plant. The main harvest usually occurs in April and May. Select buds for their size, compactness and age. All buds of suitable size should be harvested by cutting the stem 2 to 3 inches below the base of the bud.

How long do Jerusalem artichokes take to sprout?

two to three weeks
deep about 2 feet (61 cm.) apart in early spring as soon as the ground can be worked. The planting should be watered well. The tubers will sprout in two to three weeks.

Can I plant Jerusalem artichokes in winter?

Sunchokes are so hardy you can try planting them at any time of year, so long as the ground is workable and not frozen – though it may be less ideal to plant a new tuber going into the winter, as such conditions are difficult for transplants.

Should I soak artichoke seeds before planting?

Soak them overnight in water, drain and place in a jar filled with moist sand before refrigerating. Or you can vernalize them naturally by setting your seedlings outside in a cold frame or other protected area while the temperature is in the 34-degree-to-50-degree range for a week or more.

When should I plant artichoke seeds?

Artichokes are a perennial crop that can be grown as an annual in areas with cold winters. They should be started 8-10 weeks before planting outdoors—so if, for example, your last frost date is May 1^st, they should be started between the middle and end of February.

Are Jerusalem artichokes invasive?

Jerusalem artichokes are considered invasive by some gardeners, and flowers should be cut before seeds develop if you don’t want the plant jumping the fence. If you’re worried, you can place starters in their own dedicated plot.

How do you know when Jerusalem artichokes are ready?

As soon as the leaves fall off your Jerusalem artichoke plant, and the stalks dry out, it is time to harvest. This is usually from the end of October to November. As with potatoes, dig the soil around the plant with a spade and lift out the plant together with the tubers in one go.

What grows well with Jerusalem artichokes?

Jerusalem artichoke can replace corn in the Native American Three Sisters method of planting, but it also grows well with this vegetable crop. Rhubarb, peanuts, and bush beans are also good companions.
Some good herb companions for Jerusalem artichokes include:

• Chamomile.
• Mint.
• Lemon balm.
• Lemongrass.
• Chicory.
• Borage.

How cold hardy are Jerusalem artichokes?

Optimum storage conditions are 31–32°F/-1–0°C at 90–95% relative humidity.

How do you stop sunchokes from spreading?

Cover your soil with an inch or so of organic mulch for easier harvesting and root protection. Plant in a dedicated bed that can be mowed around for control, or sink barriers into the soil around the sunchokes at least 24 inches deep to prevent spreading.

What month do you harvest Jerusalem artichokes?

Jerusalem artichokes are generally ready for harvest when the leaves die down. If you have the patience you might want to wait for the first frost as tubers harvested after they got hit by the first frost taste sweeter. In my experience the best harvest season is end of september until march.

Why do Jerusalem artichokes make you fart?

Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus) are rich in inulin, a form of starch that is not easily broken down by our bodies. Eat a lot at once and there’s no beating around it – you will fart a lot.