How to grow Artichoke

            Abigal Gordon's Home Grown Artichoke

Varieties of Artichoke  

Pests and Disease

Harvesting Artichoke

Seed & Nursery Catalogs

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Artichokes are a not poplar garden crop in most areas, they are , as the expression goes "an acquired taste". If you have at least 100 frost-free days in your area  you can grow them. The Artichoke is generally grown as a perennial, but can also be grown as an annual.    I have been growing a modest amount as for years, they are a tasty and healthy dish when properly prepared.

 

 

There are actually two distinct varieties of crops referred to as artichokes. This article deals with Globe Artichokes, as in the illustration above. The other "artichoke"  - Jerusalem Artichoke, is not really an artichoke and not even remotely related to true artichokes. Jerusalem Artichoke, also known as "sun-choke" and casava in some places is actually a type of sunflower or, more correctly, the tuberous roots of a type of sunflower.

 

It is perennial living from year to year. The edible tubers resemble potatoes but are rough and knobby and have a crisp texture, much like that of water chestnuts.
 

The Globe Artichoke is closely related to the thistle. The part we eat is from the immature flower bud. If the buds or "globes" are not harvested, six inch bluish thistle-like flower heads develop.

The edible portion of the "globe" is composed of the fleshy bases of the flower bracts and the receptacle to which the bracts are attached, known as the "heart".

 

Planting  Artichoke  

Direct Seeding
Where winters average above 15°F, seeds can be sown in the fall. Sow artichoke seeds ¼" deep in lightly moistened soil. If seeds are soaked ensure the soil is adequately drained or the seeds will probably rot before germinating.

Transplants
Sow artichoke seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow ¼" apart and ¼" deep in lightly moistened potting mix in a flat or in a pot. As soon as seedlings can be handled, transplant to 2-4" pots or cell trays and grow at 60°F - 70°F days and 50°F-60°F nights. If seeds are soaked ensure the potting mix has adequate aeration ability or the seeds may rot.

Planting Root Stock
Rootstock can be purchased from a nursery or alternately, a healthy plant can be dug up, the root divided into two or more parts and replanted. Root sections should be set at 6" - 8" deep in the soil. Irrigate the soil thoroughly before planting.
 

Spacing

As an annual:

Artichokes won't reach their full potential if planted in cooler climates. Freezing temperatures will kill the plants before they can reach full potential therefore a tighter spacing may be used. Space artichokes within rows at 2' - 3' apart and row spacing of 3'- 4' apart.

As a perennial:

Artichoke plants can reach a height of 3 or 4 feet and a spread of up to 6 feet in diameter so allow plenty of space for them to grow. In Zones 7 and above, plant the artichokes to the side so that the more frequent planting of annual vegetables won't disturb them. Space the artichoke plants at 4'-6' feet within the row with 6 to 8 feet between the rows.
 

 

Water Requirements of Artichoke    

Artichokes require frequent irrigation during the growing season. Moisture deficiency will result in loose buds of inferior quality. On the other hand, artichokes won't tolerate standing in water, so plant the artichokes either on mounds or in rows with irrigation furrows. Irrigate the artichokes about once a week; irrigate more often in warm areas and less often in areas with heavy soil. Inexpensive Water timer systems are available.
 

 

Fertilizer Requirements of Artichoke   
Artichokes need to be grown and harvested quickly for best results. You will need a high quality compost and well rotted manure in generous amounts each season. Sand and organic material should be worked into a soil that is “heavy.” Well-drained soil is significant for good production

On a monthly basis side dress each plant with a high nitrogen fertilizer.

 

Varieties of Artichoke   

Pests and Disease Common to Artichoke  

• Grey Mold-  The fungus that causes gray mold invades flower bracts that have been damaged by frost insects, slugs, or other factors. Infected plants turn brown on the outside. On the inner surface is the characteristic gray growth .   The fungus survives on decaying organic matter. Botrytis rot is most common during rainy weather. Plant in well-drained areas. Remove infected plant parts and protect plant buds from damage caused by invertebrates. When storing chokes, remove infected chokes immediately.  See : Bugwwod: Greymold
• Curly Dwarf  - plants show a significant reduction of growth and become severely stunted. Leaves are distorted and have dark, localized dead spots . Infected plants are less productive. Severely affected plants may die.
• Artichoke Plume Moth  See : University of California : Artichoke Plume Moth
• Slugs and snails are a major problem on perennial artichokes especially in winter. They feed on all parts of the plant. Slug feeding on foliage causes shot holes on the leaves. Slugs are particularly injurious to the buds when they scrape off soft tissues from the artichoke bracts. This injury later turns black and the quality of the affected produce is greatly reduced. See Controlling Snails and Slugs

Harvesting Artichoke

The Globe artichoke is actually an edible bud. It is harvested at an immature stage and selected for size and compactness. Overdeveloped Globe artichoke buds begin to open or spread; the bracts may have a brownish cast and are tough and stringy; the artichoke hearts have a fuzzy, pink to purple appearance.

As a perennial: For artichokes planted in the fall, harvest can begin as early as spring. Maturation and harvest will continue through the following spring unless interrupted by frost. Peak production occurs in spring.

As an annual: For artichokes planted in the spring, harvest in the fall.

Handle buds carefully during harvest to avoid bruising bud leaves. To harvest artichokes, cut the bud from the stem about 1" - 1½" inches below the bud base. Buds allowed to become over mature will be loose, fibrous and inedible. Artichoke blossoms, however, are attractive as fresh or dried flowers.

After harvest, cut back old bearing stalks to ground level and mulch with rotted manure, or feed with a balanced fertilizer. New shoots, which grow from the base of the old stump, will develop their own stalks. Monthly applications of nitrogen fertilizer are beneficial for healthy growth.

Artichokes have a good shelf life. Put them in your refrigerator , they should also keep for a week or slightly more on a cool vegetable rack. Some blackening of the outer leaves can mean they were caught by a frost at the beginning or end of the season