Moon's Graden

by **Bobbet** » Fri, 04 Jun 1999 04:00:00

Hi!

I'm growing Jerusalem Artichokes for the 3rd straight year. The 1st
year I planted tubers obtained from mail order. I had a good yield with
a lot of LARGE tubers to eat. I left a good number in the ground for
last year, but the crop was a lot smaller and the tubers were, overall,
a lot smaller.

This year I have A LOT of plants. What can I do to make the tubers
larger? I've heard that you can cut off the flowers? Is that true?
When do I do that?

Thank you.

by **lor..** » Fri, 04 Jun 1999 04:00:00

Quote:

> Hi!

> I'm growing Jerusalem Artichokes for the 3rd straight year. The 1st
> year I planted tubers obtained from mail order. I had a good yield with
> a lot of LARGE tubers to eat. I left a good number in the ground for
> last year, but the crop was a lot smaller and the tubers were, overall,
> a lot smaller.

I think that may be one of your problems. While Jerusalem Artichokes
will do fine if left in the ground over winter, you may find that they
have used up all the nutrients available to them in that one area.
Also, if they are crowded, the tubers will be smaller (just like any
other root crop).

I've never heard of cutting the flowers off, but I know doing that to
flowering bulbs is supposed to strengthen the bulb, so I don't see why
it shouldn't work. As long as you cut them off before they start to set
seed, it should be beneficial.

--
Lorna Noble
Glasgow
Scotland

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by **Gary Coope** » Fri, 04 Jun 1999 04:00:00

Quote:

> I'm growing Jerusalem Artichokes for the 3rd straight year. The 1st
> year I planted tubers obtained from mail order. I had a good yield with
> a lot of LARGE tubers to eat. I left a good number in the ground for
> last year, but the crop was a lot smaller and the tubers were, overall,
> a lot smaller.

> This year I have A LOT of plants. What can I do to make the tubers
> larger? I've heard that you can cut off the flowers? Is that true?
> When do I do that?

I don't think removing the flowers will make much difference.

It may be that your tubers are smaller because they're crowded. Thinning
the plants may help.

Also, fertilize them if you haven't. One book I read says J. artichokes
are "heavy feeders."

Gary

by **Webera** » Fri, 04 Jun 1999 04:00:00

Quote:

>I'm growing Jerusalem Artichokes for the 3rd straight year. The 1st
>year I planted tubers obtained from mail order. I had a good yield with
>a lot of LARGE tubers to eat. I left a good number in the ground for
>last year, but the crop was a lot smaller and the tubers were, overall,
>a lot smaller.

>This year I have A LOT of plants. What can I do to make the tubers
>larger? I've heard that you can cut off the flowers? Is that true?
>When do I do that?

Dig as many as you can. There will still be enough left for next year. If you
till thoroughly, replant a few that you have saved over the winter.

A lot of people treat them like weeds and actually try to get rid of them.
Those folks have the biggest crops ;--))

Bob
"But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually;
wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God,
and to serve him, is inspired of God." Moroni 7: 13