How To Grow Artichokes

If you’ve been dreaming of fresh, homegrown artichokes but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place! Growing artichokes might seem intimidating, but with the right tips, anyone can cultivate these delicious, architectural gems in their garden. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from choosing the perfect spot to harvesting your first bounty—so you can enjoy crisp, flavorful artichokes straight from your backyard. Let’s get growing!

How to Grow Artichokes from Seed or Starts

Starting Artichoke Seeds Indoors for a Longer Season

Give your artichokes a head start by sowing seeds indoors about 8 to 12 weeks before your last spring frost date. These plants take a while to mature, so starting early ensures you get a decent harvest before the summer heat peaks.

Use biodegradable pots filled with high-quality seed-starting mix and plant seeds about half an inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature between 70°F and 80°F for the best germination rates.

Once seedlings emerge, place them under grow lights or a sunny window to encourage sturdy growth. Hardening off your seedlings is crucial; gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions over a week before planting to prevent shock. This simple step strengthens the plants and prepares them for the garden environment.

Transplanting Seedlings or Root Divisions Outdoors

Wait until the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed before moving your artichokes outside. Choose a location that receives full sun, as these plants thrive with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Dig holes large enough to accommodate the root ball, spacing plants about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow for their impressive spread. When planting, ensure the crown of the plant sits slightly above the soil line to prevent rot.

Water thoroughly after transplanting to settle the soil around the roots. Adding a layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture and suppress weeds, giving your young plants the best chance to establish themselves quickly in their new home.

Choosing Between Annual and Perennial Varieties

Decide whether you want to treat your artichokes as annuals or perennials based on your climate zone. In warmer regions (zones 8-10), varieties like ‘Green Globe’ can be grown as perennials, producing harvests for several years.

If you live in a colder area, you’ll likely need to grow them as annuals or replant divisions each spring. For annual cultivation, look for varieties bred to produce quickly within a single season, such as ‘Imperial Star’.

Vernalization—a period of cool temperatures—can trick young plants into flowering sooner, which is especially helpful for annual growers. Understanding your local weather patterns will guide your choice, ensuring you pick a variety that fits your garden’s specific conditions and maximizes your yield.

Selecting the Best Location for Artichoke Plants

Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun vs. Partial Shade

Artichokes thrive in bright, sunny spots, so aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates, full sun generally yields larger, more flavorful buds.

If you live in a region with scorching afternoons, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can prevent heat stress and wilting. For cooler areas, maximize sun exposure to encourage robust growth. Remember, these plants are heavy feeders, and sunlight fuels their energy production.

A sunny location helps the soil warm up faster in spring, giving your artichokes a strong start. Balance is key—too little sun results in weak plants, while too much intense heat without relief might toughen the leaves.

Observe your garden throughout the day to find the sweet spot where your artichokes get plenty of light but aren’t baked.

Soil Preparation and pH Balance for Healthy Growth

Artichokes love loose, fertile soil that drains well, so prep your garden bed by mixing in plenty of organic compost or aged manure. This enriches the earth and improves texture, preventing waterlogging that can rot roots.

Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. You can easily test your soil with a simple kit from a garden center to ensure it falls in this ideal range.

If your soil is too sandy or heavy clay, amendments are crucial for success. Before planting, turn the soil over to a depth of about 12 inches to break up compaction. Good drainage is non-negotiable; these plants hate wet feet.

Adding organic matter not only feeds your artichokes but also helps retain moisture during dry spells, giving them the best foundation for a bountiful harvest.

Spacing Artichokes for Proper Air Circulation

Giving your artichoke plants enough room to breathe is essential for preventing disease and ensuring they develop large, healthy buds. Space them at least 3 to 4 feet apart in rows that are 4 to 5 feet apart.

These plants can grow quite large, sprawling 3 to 6 feet wide, so crowding them will compete for nutrients and restrict airflow. Good circulation helps keep the foliage dry, reducing the risk of fungal issues like powdery mildew.

If you’re short on space, consider planting them in the back of the garden where they won’t shade smaller crops. Proper spacing also makes it easier to harvest the mature chokes without damaging neighboring plants.

Don’t be tempted to squeeze them in too tight; those big, silvery leaves need space to stretch out. Giving them ample room ensures each plant gets the light and ventilation it needs to thrive.

Watering and Feeding Artichokes for Maximum Yield

Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun vs. Partial Shade

Artichokes thrive in bright, sunny spots, so aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates, full sun generally yields larger, more flavorful buds.

If you live in a region with scorching afternoons, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can prevent heat stress and wilting. For cooler areas, maximize sun exposure to encourage robust growth. Remember, these plants are heavy feeders, and sunlight fuels their energy production.

A sunny location helps the soil warm up faster in spring, giving your artichokes a strong start. Balance is key—too little sun results in weak plants, while too much intense heat without relief might toughen the leaves.

Observe your garden throughout the day to find the sweet spot where your artichokes get plenty of light but aren’t baked.

Soil Preparation and pH Balance for Healthy Growth

Artichokes love loose, fertile soil that drains well, so prep your garden bed by mixing in plenty of organic compost or aged manure. This enriches the earth and improves texture, preventing waterlogging that can rot roots.

Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. You can easily test your soil with a simple kit from a garden center to ensure it falls in this ideal range.

If your soil is too sandy or heavy clay, amendments are crucial for success. Before planting, turn the soil over to a depth of about 12 inches to break up compaction. Good drainage is non-negotiable; these plants hate wet feet.

Adding organic matter not only feeds your artichokes but also helps retain moisture during dry spells, giving them the best foundation for a bountiful harvest.

Spacing Artichokes for Proper Air Circulation

Giving your artichoke plants enough room to breathe is essential for preventing disease and ensuring they develop large, healthy buds. Space them at least 3 to 4 feet apart in rows that are 4 to 5 feet apart.

These plants can grow quite large, sprawling 3 to 6 feet wide, so crowding them will compete for nutrients and restrict airflow. Good circulation helps keep the foliage dry, reducing the risk of fungal issues like powdery mildew.

If you’re short on space, consider planting them in the back of the garden where they won’t shade smaller crops. Proper spacing also makes it easier to harvest the mature chokes without damaging neighboring plants.

Don’t be tempted to squeeze them in too tight; those big, silvery leaves need space to stretch out. Giving them ample room ensures each plant gets the light and ventilation it needs to thrive.

Caring for Artichoke Plants During the Growing Season

Pruning and Removing Suckers for Larger Buds

To get the biggest, tastiest artichokes, you need to be a bit ruthless with pruning. As your plants grow, they will start sending up suckers or small shoots from the base.

While it might seem counterintuitive to cut off growth, removing these shoots redirects the plant’s energy into the main stem. This focus results in fewer but significantly larger primary buds. Aim to prune early in the season, checking weekly and snapping off any new shoots appearing near the soil line.

Additionally, once you harvest the main central bud, the plant will produce smaller secondary buds along the stem. You can leave these for a later, smaller harvest, or cut the entire stem back to the ground to encourage the plant to store energy for next season.

Just remember to wear gloves, as the leaves can be quite prickly and sharp.

Protecting Plants from Pests Like Aphids and Slugs

Artichokes are hardy, but they do attract a few common garden pests that can damage your crop. Aphids are a major nuisance; they often hide in the tight leaves of the developing buds.

If you see clusters of tiny green or black bugs, a strong blast of water from the hose is usually enough to knock them off. For heavier infestations, try applying insecticidal soap.

Slugs are another problem, especially in damp climates, as they chew holes in the leaves and scar the buds. To stop them, place beer traps or sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants. This natural powder creates a barrier that slugs avoid.

Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves to catch issues early before they get out of hand.

Managing Common Diseases such as Powdery Mildew

One of the most common issues artichoke growers face is powdery mildew, which looks like a white, dusty coating on the leaves. This fungal disease thrives in humid weather with poor air circulation.

To prevent it, space your plants adequately and avoid watering from overhead, as wet leaves encourage fungal spread. If you spot mildew, remove the affected leaves immediately and throw them in the trash—don’t compost them.

You can also apply a homemade remedy, like a mixture of baking soda and water, to the remaining leaves to slow the spread. Ensuring your plants have good airflow and plenty of sunlight is the best defense.

Keeping the garden bed free of debris also helps prevent spores from overwintering and attacking your new crop next year.

How and When to Harvest Artichokes

Identifying the Perfect Size for Harvesting

Knowing when to pick your artichokes is key to enjoying them at their best. Harvest when the buds feel tight and compact—before they start to open and reveal purple florets inside. For globe artichokes, aim for buds about 3-5 inches in diameter, though smaller varieties can be picked earlier.

Gently squeeze the bud; it should feel firm, not spongy. If you wait too long, the petals will become tough and woody, making them less enjoyable to eat. Check your plants every few days during peak season, as artichokes grow quickly.

Early morning is the ideal time to harvest when the buds are crisp and hydrated. Keep an eye on the size—larger buds often have bigger hearts, while smaller ones are more tender. For a continuous harvest, pick regularly to encourage the plant to produce more buds throughout the season.

Techniques for Cutting Buds Without Damaging the Plant

When cutting artichokes, use sharp pruning shears or a knife to avoid crushing the stem. Make your cut about 2-3 inches below the bud to leave a short stem attached, which helps protect the heart.

Cut at a slight angle to prevent water from pooling on the cut surface, which could lead to rot. Avoid pulling or twisting the bud, as this can damage the main stalk and reduce future yields.

If you’re harvesting side shoots, leave a bit of the branch attached to encourage regrowth. After cutting, inspect the plant for any damaged or yellowing leaves and remove them to keep it healthy. Always clean your tools before and after use to prevent spreading diseases.

By cutting carefully, you’ll ensure the plant stays productive and continues to produce high-quality artichokes all season long.

Storing Fresh Artichokes for Later Use

Fresh artichokes are best enjoyed soon after harvest, but proper storage can extend their shelf life. Rinse them gently under cold water and pat dry with a towel.

To keep them fresh, store unwashed artichokes in the refrigerator—place them in a plastic bag with holes for airflow or wrap them loosely in damp paper towels. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week when stored this way. For longer storage, consider blanching and freezing them.

Trim the tips and stems, boil for a few minutes, then plunge into ice water before freezing in airtight bags. Alternatively, marinate cooked artichoke hearts in olive oil and herbs for a flavorful pantry staple. Avoid storing them at room temperature, as they’ll wilt quickly.

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your homegrown artichokes long after the harvest season ends.

Overwintering Artichokes for Perennial Production

Preparing Plants for Winter in Colder Climates

To keep artichokes thriving year after year, start prepping your plants in late autumn. First, trim back the foliage to about 6 inches above the ground once the leaves yellow after the first frost. This reduces the plant’s energy use and prevents rot from decaying leaves.

Next, carefully dig up the root crowns if you’re in zones 6 or colder, as heavy freezes can kill them. Store the roots in a cool, dry place like a basement, buried slightly in damp sand or sawdust to keep them hydrated.

For zones 7-8, you can leave them in the ground but protect them well. Before the ground freezes hard, water the plants deeply to provide moisture reserves through winter. This step is crucial because dry roots are more prone to cold damage.

Label your stored crowns clearly so you don’t mix them up with other perennials. Taking these extra steps ensures your artichokes bounce back vigorously in spring.

Using Mulch or Cover Crops to Protect Roots

If your artichokes stay in the ground, a thick layer of mulch is their best defense against freezing temperatures. Apply a foot-thick layer of straw or shredded leaves over the trimmed crowns once the soil surface freezes.

This acts like a cozy blanket, regulating soil temperature and preventing harmful frost heaves. For extra protection, you can add a layer of burlap or landscape fabric over the mulch. Alternatively, plant winter-hardy cover crops like clover or rye around your artichoke beds.

These crops suppress weeds and add organic matter to the soil when tilled under in spring. The cover crop’s root systems also help hold soil in place during heavy rains or snowmelt. Avoid using hay for mulch if possible, as it often contains weed seeds that will sprout later.

Check your mulch layer mid-winter and add more if wind or settling has thinned it out.

Dividing Crowns in Early Spring

Early spring is the perfect time to expand your artichoke patch by dividing existing crowns. Once new green shoots appear but before they get too tall, carefully dig up the root mass.

Use a sharp, clean spade to separate the offshoots from the main plant, ensuring each division has at least one healthy bud and a good root system. This keeps your original plant productive and gives you new starters for free. Replant the divisions immediately in well-draining soil enriched with compost.

Space them about 3-4 feet apart to give them room to grow. Water the new divisions thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots. Dividing every 3-4 years prevents overcrowding, which can lead to smaller harvests.

It’s an easy, cost-effective way to maintain a vigorous perennial artichoke bed for years to come.

Troubleshooting Common Artichoke Growing Problems

Why Are My Artichoke Plants Not Producing Buds?

If your artichoke plants look healthy but aren’t producing buds, it might be due to their age or growing conditions. Artichokes typically need to be at least one year old before they flower, so patience is key with new transplants.

If your plants are mature but still bud-free, check the soil and sunlight. They thrive in full sun and need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. A lack of buds can also result from insufficient nitrogen; consider applying a balanced fertilizer to boost growth.

Another common issue is overcrowding, which restricts airflow and nutrient uptake. Space plants about 3-4 feet apart to ensure they have room to spread. Finally, extreme temperatures can delay blooming. If you experience unseasonably cold or hot weather, the plants may pause production until conditions improve.

Regular watering and mulching can help maintain consistent soil moisture, encouraging bud development.

Dealing with Tough or Small Artichoke Chokes

Tough or small artichokes often indicate they were harvested too late or the plant lacked proper care. For tender, flavorful chokes, harvest the buds when they’re still tight and firm, usually when they’re about the size of a baseball.

Waiting too long causes the scales to open and the meat to become fibrous. Harvest at the right time to avoid toughness. Small chokes can also result from poor soil fertility or inconsistent watering.

Ensure your plants receive deep, regular watering, especially during dry spells, and amend the soil with compost or organic matter to provide essential nutrients. Overcrowding can also stunt growth, leading to smaller buds. Thin your plants if needed to give each one enough space to thrive.

If you already have tough artichokes, try steaming them longer or using them in recipes where texture matters less, like soups or dips. Prevention is the best cure, so keep an eye on plant health for future harvests.

Managing Bolting in Hot Weather

Bolting, or premature flowering, is common in artichokes when temperatures rise above 85°F (29°C). The plant shifts focus to producing seeds rather than edible buds, leading to bitter-tasting chokes. To manage bolting, provide consistent moisture by watering deeply and mulching around the base to keep roots cool.

Shade cloth can also help protect plants from intense afternoon sun, reducing stress. If your plant does bolt, you can trim back the flower stalk to encourage new growth, though the quality of later buds may vary.

Some gardeners grow bolt-resistant varieties or start seeds early to harvest before the hottest months. Regularly harvesting buds as soon as they mature can also delay bolting by redirecting energy back into vegetative growth.

Remember, artichokes are perennials in mild climates; even if they bolt, they may return the next season with proper care and protection during winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Growing artichokes is a rewarding journey that yields delicious, nutrient-rich harvests. Remember to protect them in colder climates and harvest buds when tight for the best flavor. With patience and care, you’ll enjoy homegrown artichokes that elevate your meals. Start your artichoke garden today and savor the satisfaction of growing this unique and tasty vegetable!