[jameshuk]

I love jerusalem artichokes and am looking to plant some this weekend. At my local garden centre they are being sold at £1.99 for 2 tubers. One of the old timers at my allotment told me just to buy them from the supermarket - approx £1.99 for 6/8!

Is this a good idea or not...?

[scabs]

Yes, I have read in a few places that you can grow from the ones you get in the supermarket! 

[Sadgit]

£1.99 for 2 is very expensive. There are some on ebay if you trust that method.

[celjaci]

they don't get viral diseaseslike spuds so it's OK to plant artichokes from the supermarket or from a friend.
The only other thing is that you might want to look out for a variety called 'Fusseau'  sp?
which has larger tubers with less knobbles so easier to peel

[treacleminer]

Yes - I planted some from the supermarket 3 years ago ......

Hopefully I won't have any next year!

[Babstreefern]

Really hate to say this guys, but I dug up a load of them when I took over this plot in November.  I'm not that keen on them.  I had about 8 buckets full of them.  The only problem with them is that they are like weeds, once you have them they are difficult to get rid, even if you leave some in, they'll grow.

I even had Chinese Artichokes, but they are small, so you have to scrup them.  They're ok mixed with other veg, eg, boiling, stir fry, etc.  Again, I dug them out, but leave any in, and you get another harvest the following year.