Artichoke Plant Starting Tips

Artichoke Sowing and Planting Tips Sow seed ¼ inch (6 mm) deep in lightly moistened seed starting mix. Seed will germinate at 70-80°F (21-27°C) in 10 to 14 days. Transplant seedlings to the garden when plants are 6 to 8 weeks old and outdoor temperatures are at least 50°F (10°C) at night.

How do you start an artichoke plant?
Should you soak artichoke seeds before planting?
When should I start my artichoke seeds?
How do you care for an artichoke seedling?
Can you grow artichokes from store bought?
Do artichokes need full sun?
Are artichokes easy to grow from seed?
How long do artichokes take to grow from seed?
How many artichokes do you get from one plant?
Why are artichokes so expensive?
Can artichokes be grown in pots?

How do you start an artichoke plant?

Artichoke plants require full sun, so if you plant them too closely together, the large plants can shade smaller ones. Plant your artichoke transplants in a row at an interval of 4 to 6 feet. Placing rows 6 to 8 feet apart will allow room to easily water, fertilize and harvest.

Should you soak artichoke seeds before planting?

"Imperial Star" needs only 200 hours of vernalization, so you can simply chill seeds in the refrigerator for two weeks before starting your transplants. Soak them overnight in water, drain and place in a jar filled with moist sand before refrigerating.

When should I start my artichoke seeds?

Artichokes are a perennial crop that can be grown as an annual in areas with cold winters. They should be started 8-10 weeks before planting outdoors—so if, for example, your last frost date is May 1^st, they should be started between the middle and end of February.

How do you care for an artichoke seedling?

After planting, artichokes require certain basic care:

Water. Artichokes are a water-loving plant, so be sure to keep their soil moist (but not soaking wet) to avoid stressing out the roots.
Fertilize the soil. As heavy feeders, artichokes love soil rich in organic matter. ...
Prepare your plants for winter.

Can you grow artichokes from store bought?

You can even grow a mixture of different varieties of artichokes that you can't find in a grocery store. ... Artichokes are perennials in mild climates (see notes on growing from seed for colder climates), so you only need to start plants once and then you can technically have plants forever if you care for them properly.

Do artichokes need full sun?

Artichokes thrive in full sun to partial shade. They also need light, fertile, well-drained soil—sandy or loam is ideal. ... Adding compost will improve the soil's ability to retain water in summer and to drain in winter.

Are artichokes easy to grow from seed?

Its exotic shape and size makes it intimidating to many gardeners, but the truth is, it's just a thistle. If left to mature, it will form a beautiful blue-purple bloom with a diameter of 4 to 5 inches (10-13 cm). It's the artichoke, and seed plants from this elegant treat are easy to grow.

How long do artichokes take to grow from seed?

Artichokes take at least 110-150 days to reach maturity, if planting from seed and 100 days from divisions. Most do not flower until the second year of growth. Once the harvest is over, cut the plants back to 1-2 inches off the ground to try for a second harvest. New sprouts will form at the base of the plant.

How many artichokes do you get from one plant?

A healthy plant should produce six to nine buds per plant. The main harvest usually occurs in April and May. Select buds for their size, compactness and age. All buds of suitable size should be harvested by cutting the stem 2 to 3 inches below the base of the bud.

Why are artichokes so expensive?

''There are three reasons why artichokes are expensive,'' Hopper says. ''One reason is that each artichoke on the plant, and there are several, matures at different times; so each must be picked by hand. ''Second, artichoke seeds don`t breed true; so root stock must be used.

Can artichokes be grown in pots?

To grow an artichoke in a container, select a pot that is at least 3 feet (1 m.) wide and a foot (30 cm.) or more deep. Amend a good quality, well-draining potting mix with plenty of compost. Fertilize the container grown artichoke in midsummer with either commercial fertilizer or a top dressing of compost.