Artichoke Planting & Growing Guide
Who would have thought that a thistle could be so delicious? Artichokes are amazing plants with gray-green foliage so striking that you can even tuck them in among your ornamental plants. The large, round flower buds open into lovely lavender thistles if you leave them unharvested—but then you’d miss out on the delicious flavor of the succulent petals and hearts. Artichokes thrive as perennials in the warm climates of zones 8–10. But don’t worry—you can still enjoy homegrown Artichokes in cooler climates, where they can be grown as annuals. Keep reading to find out how to grow and harvest these tasty buds! Note: In areas where Artichokes are grown as perennials, some varieties may not produce buds the first year, but will start bearing in the second year.
Success Snapshot
PLANTING
DEPTH
Pre-Potted; At Soil Line
WATER
QUANTITY
Moderate
SUNLIGHT
QUANTITY
Full Sun; Afternoon shade in hot climates.
PLANTING
PROXIMITY
3 ft.
BLOOM
SEASON
Harvest Artichokes around 4.5 inches diameter for best results.
HARDINESS
ZONES
Zones 8-10 (Perennial); 7 & below (Annual).
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Artichoke - Imperial Star 2 Pack
$24.95
Contains: 2 Artichoke plants in 3-4" grower's pots
Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus 'Imperial Star'
Exposure: Full Sun; Afternoon shade in hot climates.
Hardiness: Zones 8-10 (Perennial); 7 & below (Annual).
Where to Plant Artichokes
Plant Artichokes in full sun in well-draining soil. In hotter climates, choose a location that will provide some afternoon shade. In areas with heavy clay or poor-draining soil, it’s best to plant in a raised bed or container.
When to Plant Artichokes
Plant Artichokes in early spring when the danger of frost has passed.
How to Plant Artichokes
- Find a location with full sun (afternoon shade in hotter regions) and well-draining soil. If you notice that water still puddles 5 to 6 hours after a hard rain, it's best to find a different spot or plant in a raised bed or container.
- Plant your Artichokes as soon as possible after they arrive. If you can’t plant immediately, make sure to give them a drink of water and set them somewhere out of direct sun and wind until you can get them planted.
- Dig a hole the same depth as the nursery container. Remove the plant from the container and set in the hole. If the roots look compacted, it’s okay to gently loosen them a bit. Fill the hole with soil and tamp down firmly. If planting multiple plants, space them 3-4’ apart.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
How to Grow Artichokes
- Water at least once a week, more often in warm weather; 1” of water at a time is a good estimate. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses help get the water right at the roots with minimal evaporation and reduce the spread of diseases like powdery mildew.
- Add a heavy layer of mulch or compost to the surrounding soil to improve drainage, reduce evaporation, and keep competing weeds at bay.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer or fish emulsion solution at mid-season and after harvest.
Artichoke Tips & Tricks
- Control insect pests like aphids with applications of Neem oil. Earwigs, snails, and slugs can also be a problem; control them by sprinkling the surrounding soil with diatomaceous earth.
- Harvest artichoke buds when still tightly closed by cutting an inch or two below the base of the bud. Baby artichokes can be harvested and eaten whole when buds are no bigger than an apricot. Larger buds become tougher and petals must be peeled off and eaten individually.
- Cut the main stalk down almost to the ground after harvesting the last bud and you may be able to get a second harvest.
- Cut stalks almost to the ground when the leaves turn yellow at the end of the season and cover with mulch. Artichokes are usually productive for about five years and then need to be replaced.
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