How to Grow Globe Artichokes

Globe artichokes like a warm sunny spot, in reasonably fertile, free-draining soil. To make best use of space, sow into a seedbed temporarily, then later transplant to their final position, as they will grow into large plants that need wide spacing.

Do globe artichokes need full sun?
Do artichokes come back every year?
How many artichokes do you get from one plant?
How long does it take to grow an artichoke?
Can artichokes be grown in pots?
Do you cut back globe artichoke?
How do you know when artichokes are ready?
Can I plant artichokes from the grocery store?
How do you know when Jerusalem artichokes are ready?
Can an artichoke kill you?
Do artichoke plants spread?
Where do Artichokes grow best?

Do globe artichokes need full sun?

Globe artichokes prefer an open position in full sun. They need a reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. They are fairly drought resistant once established.

Do artichokes come back every year?

Artichokes thrive in areas with mild winters, cool summers and plenty of moisture. As a perennial, artichokes perform well in hardiness Zones 7-11. Colder zone gardeners can grow artichokes as an annual vegetable or over-winter their perennial varieties in a sheltered area.

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.

How long does it take to grow an artichoke?

Artichoke plants are slow growers—they can take anywhere from 85 to 120 days of proper spring and summer weather to produce flowers. In addition, most artichoke plants won't start producing flowers until their second year.

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.

Do you cut back globe artichoke?

Cut back stems in autumn and protect the crown over winter with a thick mulch of bark chippings, straw or other material. In early spring add a mulch of well-rotted manure to help boost growth.

How do you know when artichokes are ready?

Harvest artichokes when the buds are full and still tight. Harvest artichokes when the buds are tight and firm and about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Harvest buds before the petals begin to open. If you wait until the bud opens, the petals will no longer be tender.

Can I plant artichokes from the grocery store?

You can even grow a mixture of different varieties of artichokes that you can't find in a grocery store. Last time I saw artichokes in the grocery store, they were on sale for 2 for $4.00.

How do you know when Jerusalem artichokes are ready?

Jerusalem artichokes are generally ready for harvest when the leaves die down. If you have the patience you might want to wait for the first frost as tubers harvested after they got hit by the first frost taste sweeter. In my experience the best harvest season is end of september until march.

Can an artichoke kill you?

Can artichokes kill you? It's not really deadly. The chokes of baby artichokes or Spanish and Italian artichokes are ok to eat. I wouldn't want my inept artichoke fileting skills to kill a dear friend.

Do artichoke plants spread?

Soil, Planting, and Care

Give plants room to spread, since mature plants can reach 3 to 4 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide. Artichokes thrive in full sun to partial shade.

Where do Artichokes grow best?

Artichokes are best grown in damp weather, with cool summer temperatures and mild winters. They are grown commercially in coastal areas of Northern California. Artichokes are perennials that can survive for up to 6 years in mild-winter areas.