Although still extremely popular in their native Mediterranean region, artichokes aren’t commonly grown within the U.S.—California is that the only state with an outsized commercial artichoke industry. There, the height season is from March to May, but if you plant some reception , you’ll have artichokes maturing throughout the summer. confirm you’ve got space, though; these are very large plants.

The leaves of artichokes are silver-green in color with an extended , arching shape. Although they appear soft, the leaves are often quite prickly. The stems of the plant are thick and fleshy. The flower buds are the parts that are sold in produce aisles. At the bottom of the bud is that the tender, flavorful artichoke “heart.” If allowed to blossom on the plant, artichoke flowers open into large, dome- or muff-shaped purple thistles that are surprisingly fragrant.

Artichokes are planted at different times of the year, counting on the climate. Where they’re grown as annuals, they need to be planted in spring. In warmer zones where they survive as perennials, they’re often planted as seeds in late summer or as young plants (or transplants) in mid-autumn. They typically need 85 to 100 days to succeed in harvest.

How to Plant Artichokes

Because artichokes often take two years to flower, they’re typically sold as container plants in their second year, or as established root crowns. They become large plants and will be spaced a minimum of 4 feet apart—6 feet is even better. Plants were grown as annuals, or where the tops are going to be killed back by frost, won’t get as large and may be spaced a touch closer. Harvest the buds for eating before they become thistle flowers. If you’re growing them as annuals, cut them right down to ground level after the flowers have faded, and canopy them with mulch for the winter.

Artichokes are often described as architectural plants, and one check out a tall, branching specimen will tell you why. Since few animals attack artichokes, don’t be afraid to plant them in your ornamental borders as edible landscaping. you’ll still harvest them at will, but the stately plants and textural leaves will add visual interest throughout the season.

Artichoke plants should produce for about three to 5 years and can develop side shoots at their bases. At this point , you’ll lift, divide, and replant the new shoots.

Artichoke Care
Light

Artichokes grow best full sun. they will tolerate some shade, but the flower buds will suffer somewhat.

Soil

Artichokes prefer sandy, well-drained but fertile soil. A pH slightly on the alkaline side is best. Slightly sandy soil (think: Mediterranean) is right. Good drainage is crucial to stop the roots from rotting, especially in areas where they’re going to be overwintered. However, the soil must even be ready to retain water long enough to permit the roots to require it during hot summers.

When growing artichokes as perennials, it’s especially important to amend the soil before planting to make sure they’re going to grow well in future years. If your garden soil is poor, consider growing your artichokes in raised beds.

Water

Water frequently and deeply, one to 3 times every week. this may keep flower buds fleshy and tender and develop a robust rootage which will keep the plants upright.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant prefers warm weather that’s relatively dry, like that found within the Mediterranean region and in California. Excessive heat will cause the plant to bloom prematurely. When grown as perennials, artichokes favor areas with mild winters (50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit) and funky , moist summers (70 to 80 degrees F). extremely popular soil will make the plants flower too quickly, so apply a thick mulch round the base of the plants to stay the soil cool.

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every fortnight throughout the season.

Artichoke Varieties

• ‘Big Heart’ may be a thornless variety that will handle some heat.
• ‘Green Globe’ is that the variety is most frequently grown commercially in California, but it doesn’t adapt also to less-than-ideal growing conditions.
• ‘Imperial Star’ is widely adaptable, easy to grow from seed, and bred to be grown as an annual. this is often the variability recommended for gardeners in zones 6 and colder.
• ‘Purple of Romagna’ may be a tender Italian heirloom favored by chefs.
• ‘Violetto’ is an Italian heirloom prized for its production of dozens of small side shoots.

How to Grow Artichokes From Seed

Start seeds indoors, a minimum of eight weeks before your last frost date. Harden off the seedlings before planting them outside, but don’t wait until all danger of frost has passed—artichokes got to experience a small chilling (not freezing) before they’re going to set buds. this will be accomplished by putting your plant’s call at mid-spring and exposing them for every week to 10 days to temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit or a touch lower.

If you are trying saving seed from your artichokes, they’ll not grow true, producing plants that change greatly from your original plant. you’ll have better success with purchased seed that has been grown under controlled conditions.

Common Pests and Diseases

Few pests attack artichokes. Slugs are often a drag during damp weather, especially with younger, tender leaves. Aphids also can become a nuisance, but they will be hosed off before they take over. Giving the plants enough space for air to flow freely will help minimize aphid problems.

Botrytis, or gray mold, can affect leaves and flower bracts. it’s most pervasive on damaged leaves, which can turn brown then grayish. Remove affected leaves as soon because the disease is clear . For severe infections, use a fungicide labeled for edible plants, like neem.

Harvesting

In ideal conditions, established artichoke plants produce buds periodically throughout the year. However, in most areas, buds begin forming in early summer. the middle bud will mature first and maybe harvested as soon because it has reached about 3 inches in diameter. Harvest while the bracts are still tightly folded and therefore the bud feels firm. you’ll cut a 1- to a 3-inch portion of the stem alongside the bud, to form it easier to figure with.

After the middle bud is cut, side shoots will begin producing smaller buds. Harvest once they are firm and reach about 1 to three inches in diameter. Small buds are often extremely tender and flavorful, requiring only a small heating-through before eating.

Winter Care

If you would like to grow artichokes as perennials, adapt your over-wintering methods to your climate:

• Zones 8 and higher: After the last harvest in fall, cut the plants to soil level and canopy with 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch, like straw.
• Zones 6 to 7: After the last harvest within the fall, cut the plants right down to about 12 to 18 inches. Cover the plant with organic mulch, like straw, leaves, or maybe compost, then cover that with an outsized basket. Mound another layer of straw or leaves over the basket and canopy everything with a water-proof tarp.
• Zone 5 and cooler: you’ll try the tactic described for zones 6 to 7, otherwise you can pot up your plants, move them to a dark spot that stays cool, but above freezing, and water them occasionally throughout the winter. within the spring, move the pots back outdoors in any case danger of frost, and either replant the artichokes in soil or still grow them within the containers.
• Whatever your zone or method, remove all coverings in spring, as soon because the soil has thawed and no hard frosts are expected.

ARTICHOKE SOWING AND PLANTING TIPS

• Grow artichokes from seed or crowns which are root divisions.
• Sow seed indoors 8 to six weeks before the last spring frost.
• Set out root divisions or crowns in late winter or early spring, about 2 weeks before 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 eight weeks old and outdoor temperatures are a minimum of 50°F (10°C) in the dark.
• Set out root divisions or “crowns” in late winter if the soil is definitely worked or early spring about 2 weeks before 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 during which seeds or crowns are planted just moist until the plant is established.
• Space plants 6 inches (15 cm) apart in every direction; thin successful plants to 4 feet (122 cm) part.
• Fertilize with fish emulsion or a soluble complete fertilizer at half strength.
• Add aged compost to planting beds beforehand of transplanting.
• Artichokes prefer a soil pH range of 6.0 to 6.8.
• Grow artichokes fully sun for best yield.
• Plant artichokes during a dedicated bed; plants will live up to fifteen years. In cold-winter regions, you’ll be ready to grow artichokes as an annual.
• More at the way to Grow Artichokes.

Interplanting: Plant during a dedicated bed; artichokes live for up to fifteen years.

ARTICHOKE PLANTING CALENDAR

• 8-6 weeks before the last frost in spring: sow seed indoors.
• 2 weeks before the last frost in spring: began crowns.
• 2 weeks after the last frost in spring: transplant seedlings into the garden.
• Artichoke plant

Artichokes prefer cool, moist summers and mild winters.

ARTICHOKE RECOMMENDED VARIETIES

• ‘Green Globe’ is prepared for harvest usually the second summer after seeding.
• ‘Imperial Star’ produces the primary season, about 180 days from seed to reap .
• ‘Violetto’ has purplish, elongated buds.