Artichokes – ‘Tis the Season for Planting Edible Thistles

From Bill:

Do you enjoy a good artichoke?  Well now is the time to start them if you do.  Unlike most vegetables, the best time to plant is from November through March.  They’re not difficult to grow, and once established an artichoke plant will produce for several years.  I’ve had them last for seven years.

Start by purchasing your artichoke plant(s) at a good nursery or garden center.  I’ve found that the smaller less expensive plants eventually do just as well as the larger ones.

When planting be aware that artichokes do take up some space - as much as six feet in diameter and generally 3-4 feet in height.  They need deep, rich, well-drained soil and the more sun the better.  I now have several plants, and the amount of sun they get really makes a difference in production.  The plants are drought resistant, but for robust edible artichokes, regular water is necessary along with a monthly application of nitrogen fertilizer.  Usual production is a harvest in the spring and a second crop in the fall, but with regular fertilizing I find I can get artichokes through much of the year.

Harvest the artichokes by cutting about 4 inches below the bud, preferably before it starts to open.  When a stalk is through producing buds, cut it off close to the ground.  New shoots will appear around the old stalk. 

The main problem with artichokes in our area is aphid infestation.  These are prevented by controlling for ants that tend the aphids on the artichokes.  Use whatever method you favor, organic or otherwise, to keep the ants away from your plants.

There are several varieties of artichokes.  I grow three different ones and each has unique characteristics.  So, you may want to be aware of differences when purchasing your plants.

After a year of growth, the roots can be divided and replanted 3 to 4 inches deep with the shoot above the ground to provide additional plants. 

And Terry Adds:

Consider artichokes as a decorative food plant as well.  I’m planning to intersperse some in my front garden among the other drought tolerant plantings.   Their jagged grey foliage adds another attractive texture that fits right in.  We’re also having success growing them in containers in the garden at Havens.  Beautiful and delicious, what more can we ask for?