As older leaves wither, gather them up and compost them. Artichoke plants grow 3 to 5 feet tall, and their spiny gray-green foliage makes them useful as edible ornamentals. Growing ArtichokesĪ month after planting, drench actively growing artichokes with a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer to invigorate new growth.
When setting out artichoke seedlings, plant them slightly high, so that the crown is well above the soil line.įor recommended planting dates for your local climate - and to design your garden beds - try our Vegetable Garden Planner. In areas where artichokes are grown as perennials, container or bare-rooted plants can be set out in spring. Globe artichokes have average fertility needs, similar to those of tomatoes. Before transplanting artichokes, enrich each planting hole with a balanced organic fertilizer, and space plants 3 feet apart. Exposure to cool temperatures below 45 degrees is necessary to trigger flowering. Set artichoke plants out in prepared beds 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. Six weeks before your last frost date, start hardening off seedlings by gradually exposing them to bright sun, wind and cool temperatures.
The large seeds will germinate within a week at warm room temperatures, and seedlings should be potted into larger containers as they grow. Start artichoke seeds indoors in late winter, under bright florescent lights. Purple artichokes include ‘Violetta,’ an heirloom variety hardy to Zone 6, and the fast-maturing ‘Opera’ hybrid. Green artichoke varieties include ‘Imperial Star,’ the best variety to handle as an annual, and ‘Green Globe,’ a heavy-bearing perennial hardy to Zone 7. The edible plant parts are the immature artichoke flower buds. Growing artichokes from seeds started in late winter will produce edible buds in midsummer and fall. In most areas, though, globe artichokes must be grown as annuals. Where winters are mild, you can grow globe artichokes as perennials, replacing plants every four years. Native to the mild climates of the Southern Mediterranean, globe artichokes ( Cynara scolymus) are half-hardy perennial thistles that are easily killed by temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. (For details on growing many other vegetables and fruits, visit our Crop at a Glance collection page.) Grow some in your garden to experience a real treat.
Harvest artichoke flower buds just before the scales begin to open up. Rich soil with lots of organic matter and regular fertilization are required for maximum yield. Artichokes love heat so a sheltered location that gets warm during the day would be ideal. Plants should be spaced 24-30 inches apart. They should not be planted in their final location until all danger of frost has passes. This is best accomplished by putting the seedlings outside for a few days in May when the conditions are appropriate. If it is not exposed to cool temperatures it will not form buds until very late in the fall or not at all. This tricks the plant into thinking it has gone through and winter and initiating flower buds. To grow artichokes as annuals it is very important that they are exposed to 10 days of cool (5-10 degrees C) but not freezing temperatures. Once the true leaves have emerged provide regular fertilization once a week to promote fast growth. Provide warm and moist soil until germination. Plant in 3.5 inch jiffy pots, as they do not like to have their roots disturbed. Artichokes need to be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost.
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