jerusalem artichokes

I grew some jerusalem artichokes by just buying them at the supermarket, three came up quite high - I had read that they are good as a windbreak and woudl like to try this - can I replant the ones I have? Does anybody have any idea about this? They didn't seem to flower but came up very big and strong.

thanks.

 

These are related to sunflowers! They will die back in winter so unless you have windy summers they're not much good as windbreaks. They will grow easily from tubers and will usually spread like mad from any you don't dig up.
A lot of people would put them in the 'What not to plant' thread as they can be invasive. Personally, I like the taste, and love them cooked like chips.
Here's more information about them:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Helianthus+tuberosus

 

Thanks Liz that was an interesting informative site so I'll leave them to do their thing.I liekd the taste of them too I had them boiled with some butter but will try chips.

 

Just a note of caution about the windbreak angle - they are easily blown over if planted shallow or if it's windy, so I have to support them with stakes and string here in the fens :rolleyes: