Planting Artichokes in the Garden

If you have the space, artichokes make a handsome and tasty addition to the garden. Of the thistle family, the plant has silvery, spiky leaves and edible flower buds which become giant purple flowers if not picked. Artichoke buds are very healthy , packed with vitamin C and oxidants, and naturally low in fat. These vegetables are a great benefit to the home garden.

Artichokes are perennial in hardiness zones 7 to 10 in the mild coastal climates of the western U.S. In other garden zones the plants may be grown as an annual or roots may be dug and stored in a cold cellar overwinter.

Artichoke plants are large and require a lot of space in the garden. However, the three feet tall and up to a six feet diameter plants are lovely enough to grow in the landscape at the back of the border or planted in row to create a hedge or a division in the garden.

Artichokes need full sun and plenty of water to flourish in the garden. They may be started from seed or purchased as plants from garden centers or seed catalogues in the early spring. They are a cool season vegetable and need the cool temperatures to trigger proper flower stalk formation.

To grow artichokes from seed, plant the seed early, in January or February under grow lights. The plants will need 8 to 10 weeks before they are ready to transplant outside. They may be planted in the outdoors early, after hard freezes are over, usually two to three weeks before the last frost date.

Artichokes need full sun . For artichokes grown as annuals, plant 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. Plants grown as perennials will need more space as they tend to get larger. Amend the soil well with compost and fertilizer worked in to a depth of 6 inches. Mulch the plants well to maintain moisture and discourage weeds.

Artichokes have a shallow root system and require ample water to thrive. Water the plants several times a week at a rate of one to two inches of water per week throughout the growing season. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer should be applied monthly to encourage healthy growth.

The plant should be sending up flower buds by mid-summer. They are ready to harvest when the top bud reaches 2 to 4 inch diameter and is still closed and compact. Each plant should produce numerous flower stalks and each flower stalk should produce 3 to 5 buds each. If buds are not picked they become giant purple flowers, up to seven inches across.

There is nothing better than fresh homegrown vegetables. Handsome thistle-like plants and tasty buds make planting artichokes a good choice for the large garden.

Resources:

"How to Grow Artichokes" http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/node/1086

"Artichoke Home Garden Tips" http://www.artichokes.org/home.html

"Artichokes in the Garden" http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/HG-2003-03.pdf

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