Artichokes are perennial plants. Artichokes prefer cool, moist summers and summery winters. The perennial artichoke plant will not survive where the ground freezes.
The artichoke is an edible thistle flower bud that is eaten surpassing it opens. Artichokes are tender perennials that grow from 3 to 4 feet (.9-1.2m) tall and to 6 feet 1.8m) across.
Artichokes can be grown from seed or root divisions; they are most wontedly grown from root divisions which are moreover tabbed “crowns”. Sow seed indoors 8 to 6 weeks surpassing the last spring frost. Set out root divisions or crowns in late winter or early spring, well-nigh 2 weeks surpassing the last frost.
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Plant artichoke root divisions or “crowns” in late winter if the soil is hands worked or early spring well-nigh 2 weeks surpassing the last frost.
Artichokes grow weightier where the stereotype year-round temperature is between 50° and 60°F (13°-18°C). The middle tailspin of California is a prime artichoke-growing region. Avoid planting artichokes in areas with fewer than 100 frost-free days.
The edible part of the artichoke plant is the immature flower bud and its receptacle or base—often tabbed the “heart.”
From seed, artichokes will produce edible buds in well-nigh 160 to 180 days. From root divisions tabbed “crowns”, edible buds will come in 50 to 100 days. Artichokes can be grown as annuals from seed, but the most productive artichokes are perennials grown from crowns. The perennial artichoke plant can live for 5 to 15 years.
Artichoke wares of interest:
How to Plant and Grow Artichokes
How to Harvest and Store Artichokes
Artichoke Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
How to Cook and Serve Artichokes
Artichokes grow weightier where there are mild, frost-free winters and long, moist summers.
Artichoke sowing and planting tips
Grow artichokes from seeds or crowns which are root divisions.
Sow seed indoors 8 to 6 weeks surpassing the last spring frost.
Set out root divisions or crowns in late winter or early spring, well-nigh 2 weeks surpassing the last frost.
Sow seed ¼ inch (6 mm) deep in lightly moistened seed starting mix.
The seed will germinate at 70-80°F (21-27°C) in 10 to 14 days.
Transplant seedlings to the garden when plants are 6 to 8 weeks old and outdoor temperatures are at least 50°F (10°C) at night.
Set out root divisions or “crowns” in late winter if the soil is hands worked or early spring well-nigh 2 weeks surpassing the last frost.
Each crown should have a viable section of root attached; plant the crown between 2 and 4 inches (5-10 cm) deep.
Keep the growing medium or soil in which seeds or crowns are planted just moist until the plant is established.
Space plants 6 inches (15 cm) untied in every direction; thin successful plants to 4 feet (122 cm) part.
Fertilize with fish emulsion or a soluble well-constructed fertilizer at half strength.
Add weather-beaten compost to planting beds in whop of transplanting.
Artichokes prefer a soil pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.
Grow artichokes in full sun for the weightier yield.
Plant artichokes in a defended bed; plants will live up to 15 years. In cold-winter regions, you may be worldly-wise to grow artichokes as an annual.
Set out artichoke crowns or root divisions in spring well-nigh 2 weeks surpassing the last frost.
Yield. Grow 1 or 2 plants per household member.
Where to grow artichokes
Artichokes grow weightier where there are mild, frost-free winters and long, moist summers. (Artichokes are wontedly grown withal the inside California tailspin and withal the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts.)
The optimal growing temperature is not less than 50°F (10°C) at night and not increasingly than 75°F (24°C) during the day.
Do not plant artichokes where there are fewer than 100 frost-free growing days.
When to plant artichokes
Plant artichokes on the stereotype stage of the last frost in late winter or early spring.
Set your root divisions up to 2 weeks surpassing the last frost.
The optimal planting soil temperature is between 50° and 85°F (10-29.4°C).
Artichoke planting calendar
6-8 weeks surpassing the last frost in spring: sow seed indoors.
2 weeks surpassing the last frost in spring: set out crowns.
2 weeks without the last frost in spring: transplant seedlings into the garden.
Artichokes prefer cool, moist summers and summery winters.
How to plant artichokes
Grow artichokes from offshoots, suckers, or seeds.
Plant artichokes in full sun.
Artichokes require rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Add compost and well-aged manure to planting beds in whop of planting.
Set offshoots or suckers 3 to 4 feet (.9-1.2m) untied in rows well-nigh 6 feet (1.8m) apart.
Sow seed ½ inch (1.25cm) deep; thin to 6 feet (1.8m) apart.
Watering and feeding artichokes
Keep the soil evenly moist. Allow the soil to dry between watering.
Add a low nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 to planting beds in spring and fall.
Artichoke companion plants
Plant artichokes with other perennial vegetables such as asparagus.
Artichoke care
Where the winter is cold, cut plants when to well-nigh 10 inches (25cm) and imbricate them with a box or basket, and then mulch with well-nigh 2 feet (.6m) of straw or leaves to help maintain an plane soil temperature.
Artichokes withstand weightier the second year and should be started from new plants every 3 to 4 years.
Container growing artichokes
Grow artichokes in large containers at least 36 to 40 inches (91-101cm) wide.
Artichoke pests and diseases
Aphids and plume moths wade the artichoke.
The plume moth is a problem in heavy artichoke-growing districts. Hose off aphids.
Crown rot may infect plants covered in winter. Do not place mulch until the soil temperature drops to 40°F (4.4C). Remove mulch as soon as the weather begins to warm.
Plant disease-resistant varieties when they are available.
Avoid handling plants when they are wet.
Remove infected plants and destroy them.
Artichokes ready for harvest
Artichoke harvest
Artichokes are harvested whence the second year.
Cut buds well-nigh the size of an world surpassing they open. Cut stems 1½ inches (3.8cm) unelevated the bud.
More at How to Harvest and Store Artichokes.
Storing and preserving artichokes
Artichokes will alimony in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Artichoke hearts can be frozen without cooking, canned, or pickled.
Artichoke varieties to grow
‘Green Globe’ is ready for harvest usually the second summer without seeding.
‘Imperial Star’ produces the first season, well-nigh 180 days from seed to harvest.
‘Violetto’ has purplish, elongated buds.
About artichokes
Common name. Artichoke, globe artichoke
Botanical name.Cynara scolymus
Origin. Southern Europe, North America
Artichoke wares on Harvest to Table:
How to Plant and Grow Artichokes
How to Cook and Serve Artichokes
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Artichokes Steamed and Stuffed
Three Artichoke Dipping Sauces
Artichoke Growing Problems Troubleshooting
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