Sunny sunchokes!
>> Thursday, October 4, 2012 –
flowers,
sunflowers
The sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes, Helianthus tuberosus) that I received this past winter from Jack at one of the Schlafly Gardenworks events are now blooming!
I knew they would eventually, but after a summer of tall, somewhat drab foliage I'm glad to see the cheery blooms.
Not much to say about these today, except that I've been growing them in large pots. They spread quite vigorously so even if you dig up "all" of the tubers every year you're bound to miss one or two, and that's all it takes for the plant to come back. This large pot contained just a single tuber when I planted it, and now it probably has a dozen? More? I've read that a single tuber typically produces 75 new ones in a single growing season, more under better conditions. We'll see.
For now though, just enjoy the blooms, right?
The bees appreciate them for sure!
Well, this one does at least. I've said it before, but I love taking macro shots of bees!
I should point out that these blooms are at least 7' (2m) in the air, at the top of the tall stalks. How am I getting the photos then?
I'm no bee, so I have to improvise.
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| not so attractive down below |
Even from the ground I can still enjoy these flowers, but I like to take a close look too!
More on the sunchokes when I dig them up... is that in the spring? I can't remember, so I'll have to ask Jack again, as I'll be visiting the Gardenworks at least once later this month.
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I find that too - that there are lots of plants (and other things) which look much better close up (or in photographs)than if you merely stand back and look. It's one of the good things about paying attention - and the wonder of cameras.
Thank you for this post. I meant to do one on my sunchokes but now I don't have to :-). I've yet to dig them up. Now I want to see how many chokes I have. They should make a great puree.
Pretty flowers. The tuber is supposedly edible, right?
Yes, edible tubers. Some people have "digestive discomfort" after eating them though, and other people say they "taste like dirt". As for flavor I think some plants may have better flavor than others -- mine are quite tasty.
Love the way you made a whole story on these beautiful blooms. Really enjoyed it! THanks Alan.