General
Artichokes can be produced from seeds. Commercial culture is limited to warm areas hardiness zone 7 and above. Artichokes require good soil, regular watering and feeding, plus frost protection in winter. Before frost, cut back to 15cm (6") and mulch with soil, straw or leaves to keep the root from freezing. Uncover in April. Offshoots of these plants should be set out in the spring, so that the older plants can be replaced after a few years.
Latin
Cynara scolymus.
Compositae Family.
Difficulty
Easy.
Season & Zone
Season: Cool season.
Exposure: Full-sun.
Zone: Hardy from Zone 6-9. Zone 5 during mild winters, if well mulched and using a cloche.
Planting Seeds
Start artichoke seeds indoors, 2 seeds per pot. Keep moist, in a warm place, until seeds germinate in 7-21 days, depending on soil temperature. Transplant strongest seedlings about 2 weeks before the last frost.
Artichokes need a cool period (250 hours below 10º C (50º F) before they flower, but will not survive frost. In optimum conditions at least 75% of seeds will germinate. Germination temperature: 20º-30º C (70° F to 80° F). Usual seed life: 1 year.
Preparing Soil
Soil can have a pH between 6.5 and 8.0, but prefers a pH closer to 7. Artichokes are heavy feeders that require lots of moisture for maximum growth. Add lime and fertilizer before planting seedlings. Acidic and dry soil is tolerated, but well-drained soil is best. Artichokes prefer full sun.
Planting
Space artichoke transplants 1m (3') apart. Add one cup of All Purpose Fertilizer under each plant. Rows should be 1m (3') apart.
Diseases & Pests
Aphids: A hard stream of water can be used to remove aphids from the artichokes. Wash the plant with water as needed early in the day.
Harvest
Cut individual flowers before they start to open in late summer. The peak season for artichoke harvesting is late summer.
Companion Plants
Sunflower, Tarragon.
