When to harvest Artichokes?

[Robert B]

So I'm struggling to tell if my Sunchokes are ready to be harvested, the leaves have mostly turned brown but there are still flowers on top.

Would you say they look ready?

 

[Meadowlark]

That's a nice-looking tub of sunchokes.

I'm still learning about these strange looking tubers but I understand they benefit from a light frost before harvesting...makes them sweeter, more flavorful.

Have you had a frost yet or expecting one soon?

 

[Robert B]

That's a nice-looking tub of sunchokes.

I'm still learning about these strange looking tubers but I understand they benefit from a light frost before harvesting...makes them sweeter, more flavorful.

Have you had a frost yet or expecting one soon?

our first frost is in November, it is my first year growing sunchokes so ill post again when i harvest them.

 

[DirtMechanic]

I find this interesting as I have not yet grown them. Currently I harvest mine right after I get out of the bread aisle.

 

[Susan BBPM]

They look similar to ours. We grew them for the first time this year. Ours never flowered.

You can (I believe) harvest them any time from now, but they're supposed to be better after frost. Not just in terms of taste, but they cause less wind after frost.

Presumably you're aware of the warning about not eating too many at first. Most people can't digest them properly and they cause REALLY bad wind. You get used to it, but start very slowly with the quantity you eat.

I think I'll dig a few up tomorrow and give them a try. I'll report back.

 

[headfullofbees]

I'd have some now, even though Meadowlark is absolutely correct about the frost turning starch to sugar.
My big problem is that I love them raw, & have to be quarantined after eating them.

 

[Meadowlark]

our first frost is in November, it is my first year growing sunchokes so ill post again when i harvest them.

Harvested them yet?

I harvested mine today and they have gone through one frost and most of the tops died back.

I harvested just under 5 pounds from one HK container. Have no idea if that is good, bad or indifferent.

Now it is time to test out some of the suggested used of this interesting veggie.