| Common Name | Artichoke, globe artichoke, French artichoke, green artichoke |
| Botanical Name | Cynara scolymus |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous, perennial, biennial |
| Mature Size | 3-6 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil Type | Well-drained |
| Soil pH | Neutral |
| Bloom Time | Summer, fall |
| Flower Color | Purple |
| Hardiness Zones | 7-11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Mediterranean |
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The Spruce / Kara Riley
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The Spruce / Kara Riley
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The Spruce / Kara Riley
Reading: How to Grow and Care for Artichokes
Artichoke Care
Because artichokes often take two years to flower, they are typically sold as container plants in their second gear year, or as established solution crowns. They become large plants and should be spaced at least 4 feet apart, but 6 feet is even better. Plants grown as annuals, or where the tops will be killed back by frost, will not get as large and can be spaced a little close. Harvest the bud for eating before they develop into thistle-like flowers .
When grown within their boldness image, artichoke plants should produce for about three to five years and will develop side shoots at their bases. At this time, you can lift, divide, and replant the new shoots .
light
Artichokes grow best in full moon sunday. They can tolerate some shade, but the bloom bud will suffer .
soil
Artichokes prefer flaxen, well-drained but prolific land. A ph slightly on the alkaline side is best. slenderly flaxen land ( think : mediterranean ) is ideal. good drain is crucial to prevent the roots from rotting, particularly in areas where they will be overwintered. however, the territory must besides be able to retain water retentive adequate to allow the roots to take it in during hot summers .
When growing artichokes as perennials, it is specially crucial to amend the territory before planting to ensure they will grow well in future years. If your garden territory is poor, consider growing your artichokes in raised beds .
water
Water frequently and profoundly, one to three times a week. This will keep flower bud fleshy and tender and develop a potent settle system that will keep the plants good .
temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers affectionate upwind that is relatively dry, such as that found in the Mediterranean region and in California. excessive heat will cause the plant to bloom prematurely. When grow as perennials, artichokes favor areas with mild winters ( 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit ) and cool, damp summers ( 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit ). very hot soil will make the plants flower excessively cursorily, sol apply a thick mulch around the nucleotide of the plants to keep the dirt cool .
fertilizer
Apply a poise vegetable plant food every two weeks throughout the growing season. For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions .
Types of Artichokes
There are several excellent varieties of artichoke, including :
- ‘Big Heart’ is a thornless variety that can handle some heat.
- ‘Green Globe’ is the variety most often grown commercially in California, but it does not adapt as well 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 the variety recommended for gardeners in zones 6 and colder.
- ‘Purple of Romagna’ is a tender Italian heirloom favored by chefs.
- ‘Violetto’ is an Italian heirloom prized for its production of dozens of small side shoots.
Pruning
When harvesting artichokes, merely cut them from the establish at a 45-degree angle when they are about 3 inches in diameter. Cut spent stalks down to the grind to allow room for other stalks to grow. When the implant is done bearing fruit, cut it down to good above the grind and apply a heavy layer of mulch .
Propagating Artichokes
Though it is easier to grow artichokes from source, it is potential to grow fresh artichoke plants from the offshoots that most artichokes produce starting in their second or third year. This can only be done in warm climates where artichokes winter .
- During the fall or winter. remove some soil to expose the roots of the plant. Remove the shoots and the roots of the shoots with a sharp knife. The shoots should be at least 8 inches long.
- Refill the soil around the original plant.
- Plant the offshoots immediately in well-draining soil at least 6 feet away from the parent plant. Water it well and keep it moist. If it doesn’t rain, give it at least 1 inch of water per week. New growth should appear within a few weeks.
How to Grow Artichokes From Seed
Start seeds indoors, at least eight weeks before your average end freeze go steady. Plant seeds 1/4 column inch deep in trays or pots filled with a moisten seed starting desegregate. Soil temperature needs to be warmly for germination, so place the sow tray or pot on a heat flat or a warm space such as the top of the refrigerator or a table above a heat vent. Seeds should germinate within 7 to 21 days. Harden off the seedlings before planting them outside, but do n’t wait until all danger of frost has passed—artichokes need to experience a slight cooling ( not freezing ) before they will set bud. This can be accomplished by putting your plants out in mid-spring and exposing them for a workweek to 10 days to temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit or a little lower .
If you try saving seeds from your artichokes, they may not grow genuine, producing plants that vary greatly from your original plant. You will have better success with buy source that has been grown under controlled conditions .
Overwintering
If you want to grow artichokes as perennials, adapt your overwintering methods to your climate :
- Zones 8 and higher: After the last harvest in fall, cut the plants to soil level and cover with 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch, like straw.
- Zones 6 to 7: After the last harvest in the fall, cut the plants down to about 12 to 18 inches. Cover the plant with organic mulch, like straw, leaves, or even compost, and then cover that with a large basket. Mound another layer of straw or leaves over the basket and cover everything with a waterproof tarp.
- Zone 5 and cooler: You can try the method described for zones 6 to 7 but overwintering artichokes in those climate zones is only likely to succeed in a mild winter.
Whatever your zone or method acting, remove all coverings in jump, american samoa soon as the dirty has thawed and no unvoiced frosts are expected .
coarse Pests and Plant Diseases
few pests attack artichokes. Slugs can be a problem during dampen weather, particularly with younger, tender leaves. Aphids can besides become a nuisance, but they can be hosed off before they take over. Giving the plants enough space for air to flow freely will help minimize aphid problems .
Botrytis, or grey cast, can affect leaves and flower bracts. It is most permeant on damaged leaves, which will turn brown and then grayish. Remove affected leaves adenine soon as the disease is apparent. For severe infections, use a antifungal labeled for edible plants, such as neem.
faq
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Can I grow artichokes through the summer?
Although still extremely popular in their native Mediterranean region, artichokes are not normally grown in the U.S.—California is the only state of matter with a large commercial artichoke industry. There, the peak growing season is from March to May, but if you plant some at home, you can have artichokes maturing throughout the summer .
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Do I have to harvest the artichokes?
You can use them as a adorable garden plant rather. Since few animals attack artichokes, do n’t be afraid to plant them in your ornamental borders as edible landscaping. You can still harvest them at will, but the baronial plants and textural leaves will add ocular sake throughout the season .
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How do I harvest artichokes?
In most areas, buds begin forming in early summer. The center bud will mature first and can be harvested deoxyadenosine monophosphate soon as it has reached about 3 inches in diameter. Harvest while the bracts are still tightly folded and the bud feel firm. You can cut a 1- to 3-inch part of the stalk along with the bud, to make it easier to work with.
After the center bud is cut, english shoots will begin producing smaller bud. Harvest when they are firm and reach about 1 to 3 inches in diameter. Small buds can be highly attendant and flavorful, requiring only a rebuff heating-through before eat .
