Growing Artichokes

Artichoke, planting artichoke, caring for artichoke, harvesting artichoke

 

        About artichoke

         A native of the Mediterranean, the artichoke can be grown as a perennial or annual crop. It is a member of the thistle tribe of the sunflower (Compositae) family. In full growth, the plant spreads to cover an area about six feet in diameter and reaches a height of three to four feet. Its long, arching, deeply serrated leaves give the plant a fern-like appearance. Historically, the Green Globe cultivar has accounted for most of the production but that has changed as new varieties have come into production and, as of 2007, annuals have overtaken perennial production.

 

         The "vegetable" that we eat is actually the plant's flower bud. If allowed to flower, the blossoms measure up to seven inches in diameter and are a beautiful violet-blue color. The size of the bud depends upon where it is located on the plant. The largest are "terminal" buds produced at the end of the long central stems. These are the ones you are most likely to see from the car during a springtime drive throughout the area. Buds are smaller lower on the stem.

 

         Preparation

        Soil must be deeply dug and rich in nutrients. Slightly acid is good too. Position should be full sun and well drained. Remove any couch grass and perrenial weeds.

 

         Planting artichoke

        Check seed packets for any special instructions. For direct outdoor planting ( in warmer areas with 100 frost free days ), plant your seed 3-4 ft. apart in rows about 6ft. apart. Artichokes do take up a fair amount of space! Soil should be irrigated before planting.

 

        In cooler climates, germinate seed indoors or under glass. Ideally soil should be 70-80 degrees F. for good germination. Plant in individual pots - recyclable pots are best for transplanting into the garden at a later date.

 

        If winters are moderate in your region and the temperature doesn't dip below 15 degrees F, artichokes can be started outside in the autumn. Use root stock from your garden centre or beg a few roots from a gardening friend. When the artichokes get too big, dig up the roots and separate them - then replant or give to someone to start their own artichoke patch!

 

        Caring for artichoke

        Watch out for slugs, snails and other garden pests when plants are young. Keep soil moist. Mulch in hot weather and clear mulch if weather cools down.

 

        Although growing artichokes in full sun is advised, sometimes long periods of bright sunlight can burn or damage the buds ( the edible part ) or make them tough and un-appetizing.

        When the sun is relentless, try and fix up a little shade over your artichoke plants for a time during the hottest part of the day.

 

        Otherwise, growing artichokes isn't hard, and although still not grown by every budding gardener, if you have the space and like artichokes, it's well worth having a go....Keep moist and weed free and you should get a bumper crop of artichokes year after year.

 

        Harvesting artichoke

 

        Tubers can be harvested 4 to 6 weeks after flowering. Even though the flowers are pretty, yields will be better if the flower buds are pinched off as they appear. In cooler areas with well-drained soils it is better to dig them only as you use them. In subtropical areas and poorly drained soils the tubers may rot if left in the ground once the tops die back, so it is better to dig the whole harvest at once. Tubers do not store well out of the ground. Take care to store them in slightly damp sawdust or sand in a dark place; or store them in a plastic perforated bag in the bottom of the fridge.