Will Sunchoke grow from "fingers"?

Question

I purchased a Sunchoke from my local organic grocer, and was wondering if a sunchoke, like a potato will grow from its "fingers", and the main ball.

Edit: What I'm meaning specifically is cut the sunchoke fingers off, and plant them individually from a big tuber I purchased.

score 6 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 20 '16 at 02:05

6

It will grow from wherever it has the means to sprout, as with potatoes.

It is also almost impossible to eradicate once you establish a bed, so pick your location carefully, thinking about the long term.

answered Apr 20 '16 at 02:05

Ecnerwal

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So cut a big one into pieces and plant the pieces? – black thumb Apr 20 '16 at 02:06
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Each piece needs at least one "eye" (sprout forming location) same as with potatoes. And give this a gander before you start.... http://commonsensehome.com/before-you-plant-sunchokes/ (the only way I like them is raw, after a good freeze; I like them pretty well that way, though they can be a pain to peel.) – Ecnerwal Apr 20 '16 at 02:17
So it's hardier than a potato? – black thumb Apr 21 '16 at 01:21
I read it last night. – black thumb Apr 21 '16 at 01:22

score 5 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 20 '16 at 14:38

5

Yes, I have sunchokes. The bigger the "finger", the more stored energy the tuber has, and the bigger the plant will be. I generally plant fingers/tubers that are at least 1 inch in the thickest portion.

These are fun plants. I even got them to overwinter in the ground in Michigan zone 5b.

answered Apr 20 '16 at 14:38

Bulrush

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They overwinter fine in zone 3 (and "straight from the frozen ground" is the best way to harvest them.) – Ecnerwal Apr 20 '16 at 14:46
I saw someone planted them in Montana, and they say you can grow them in USDA zone 9. – black thumb Apr 20 '16 at 18:05

Will Sunchoke grow from "fingers"?

2 Answers2