How wide are Jerusalem artichokes when grown?

[Cinnamon]

Hiyas,

I'm planning to plant some of them on the border of my allotment, but don't want to get into trouble for squatting on the path.  How far from the actual border should I plant them?

thanks,

Cinnamon

[Cinnamon]

[The gardener]

Its not so much as how much space they take up above ground, it is the space they can take up below ground that could be more of a problem.

They have a root system that (in my opinion) should always be contained.

As far as growing above them above ground I suppose they could be compared to the growing habits of sweet corn perhaps they have a thinner stem.

edit; sorry allow about two foot for a single row.

[Cinnamon]

How do I confine them?

thanks

Cinnamon

[cleo]

Hi ccinnamon

You don`t need to confine them but I think I know what the Gardener means-unless you lift every last tuber you will get a forest of `runt` growth the following season.

Stephan.

[tim]

Much as I love them, I found that they were so invasive, I couldn't cope. And they grew so tall that they collapsed over all else. Don't mean to be depressive! = Tim

[The gardener]

Sorry for not getting back to you Cinnamon but have been having difficulty getting into the site.

I noticed Cleo and Tim have given you confirmation of what I was meaning.

I don'twant to put you off, but unless you really want to grow them, then do by all means do. But I don't consider them good value for the ground they take up.

[Doris_Pinks]

Oh Rats, mine arrived in the post today! :-(  Was going to put mine in a raised bed, at the back of the plot! DP

[cleo]

Don`t despair Doris I have grown them for years-just don`t try to keep them in the same patch.

Dig up those you want to eat but leave one or two alone-then around now dig up the remainder and plant the best shaped tubers in another spot.

There will often be some little ones you miss but they can be dug out as and when they come up-the best tip I can give you is to keep on top of them and do NOT rotovate the patch they were in.

Basically it`s like a spud in terms of clearing them out-but in this case you are leaving a root or two for next year.

Stephan.

[Doris_Pinks]

Thanks Stephan, will move them about! We love them, so sure we will be in the windy city next winter!! ;D