This sounds like something I need! Are they expensive to start?

Fedco Seeds sells sunroots through their "Moose Tubers" store. They call them sunchokes and they sell several improved varieties for $12.25 per pound (less if you buy multiple pounds).

They increase in size quite rapidly and therefore in my opinion, they are quite cheaply obtained.

Thankkks!

Dave, do you think they will go 'bush' here? Are the seeds easily spread? Will a wee piece of a tuber start a forestation project (i.e., will a piece inadvertantly thrown in the forest easily root and take over?). We do get tons of rain 70" - 150" a year.

TIA, Carol

Hi Carol,

They will not spread and will not be invasive, however they are very difficult to get rid of because the little tubers are in fact very vigorous. They are similar to comfrey in this respect.

Given the history of Hawaii dealing with invasive species, I would carefully consider whether it would be a good idea to plant it there. You have many other very useful, and less aggressive, plants from which to choose.

Yes, I could....but Sunchokes are so healthy and easy to cook/grow. I am thinking about growing some in a large container, in one of the greenhouses. Will check out your supply recommendation!

Can they they grown in a container instead of the ground?

I might plant it there instead.

You sure could. Just make sure they get lots of sun! They definitely don't like being root bound so make sure you use the biggest container you can find.

dave said:You sure could. Just make sure they get lots of sun! They definitely don't like being root bound so make sure you use the biggest container you can find.

Sounds good! I've 20" and 24" containers that I could use and lots of sun!

Where does one find sources for this plant?

Would the regular soil-less potting soil I use for other containers be ok?

I know I've lots of time since I wouldn't be doing it til next year.

I'll dig some tubers this spring and mail them to you, if you'll pay shipping.

Of course! Thanks Dave!

Dave....do you happen to have any more tubers? I would like to try some experiments. I have a large raised bed producing nothing....and sunchokes could grow there. Do they need DEEP soil? Or would 6" of good compost work?

Dave,

Can I pass on this Spring for shipment? I need more time. Can I let you know another year, please?

Thanks!

Marilyn

Our sunroots haven't come up yet and I'm actually worrying about them quite a bit. Usually by now they would be up and about but so far I've seen no sign of them at all. So, Marilyn, you can pass on this spring.

I've dug around and found tiny little roots so I think they are alive but I don't have any big roots at all this year.

Carol, if you really wanted to do some experiments (and I highly recommend you do!) I would highly recommend you splurge and order a pound from Fedco's Moose Tubers. That's where I got mine and they were nice and big and healthy. If I had them I'd be more than glad to send you a box but as it is I think mine are barely surviving. I'm going to try a different location for them this year, somewhere with the soil not as heavy with clay.

Will do, Dave. I think I could make a barrier in one of the unused beds and ameliorate with lots of cinder for drainage..... Thanks

I'll be curious to know how you like them as a plant. I'm certainly a fan. I'm on the lookout for other cultivars that may do better for me.