How to Grow Artichoke

Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus

Plant Type: Tender Perennial

Stunning on the plate but also in the garden, these dual-purpose plants are magnificent perennials. The layered flowered have edible ‘hearts’ that are best suited to cooking and preserving.

Artichokes are architectural plants and can be used in ornamental borders as edible landscaping. As an added bonus, the flowers attract beneficial insects and nectar-loving birds.

Artichokes are a delicacy world-wide. These greyish- green plants produce flowers whose immature buds are eaten.

Allow for about 3 plants per person and replace your plants every third or fourth year.

Varieties

‘Purple’ is from Northern Italy and produces fat buds with soft violet fleshy scales. ‘Violetta’ buds are dusky purple and are considered the gourmets’ choice. ‘Imperial Star’ grows well in warm and cold climates and has deliciously smooth buttery buds.

Cultivation

The old adage of ‘good ground grows thistles’ can certainly be applied to this most noble of the thistle family. The flower buds will be produced in profusion give plenty of well-rotted manure and adequate water.

Water in new plants with a seaweed solution to help them settle in faster and then mulch around them. They are very low maintenance and will produce well with little care.

Sun: Full Sun

Pollination: Insects

Soil:  artichokes thrive in sandy soil, enriched with compost and well-rotted manure.

Growing from Seed

Sow: sow into seedling trays for transplanting into larger pots or the garden when hardened

Ease of Germination: medium

Germination Temperature:  21-26°C

Germination Time:

Spacing: 1 m

Harvest: 180 days

Yield: 20 buds/plant

Maintenance and Additional Care

Globe artichokes like a rich, well-drained soil. If you see their outer leaves drooping, it will be because of waterlogging in winter or drying out in hot summers. Plenty of compost in the soil is important in preventing both extremes as it helps drainage in winter and retains moisture in summer. So making sure the soil is prepared properly at planting time is vital for successful growth in subsequent years.

Companion Planting

Good companions: peas, sunflowers, tarragon, brassicas

Bad companions: none

Pests and Diseases

few pests attack artichokes. Slugs can be a problem during damp weather, especially with younger, tender leaves.

Aphids can also become a nuisance, but they can be hosed off before they take over. Giving the plants enough space for air to flow freely will help minimize aphid and any fungal problems. Crown rot can be an issue in a humid climate

Growing in Containers

Globe Artichokes can be grown in pots but make sure the pot is about 1 metre wide and at least 30 cm deep. Use a good quality potting mix.

Harvesting

The fat terminal buds are picked before opening an the outer ‘scales’ removed to reveal the hearts. The ‘choke’, or undeveloped flower deep inside the bud, is removed for the most succulent hearts.

For the best ‘hearts’, harvest the buds in spring when the stem below the bud is still pliable. The stem is also delicious peeled and cooked.

Seed Saving

Seed Longevity: 7 years

Isolation Distance: best to pollinate and bag

How to Save Seed

Individual artichoke flowers are self-sterile, because their anthers release pollen five days before the stigmas are receptive. At any given time, some of the stigmas will be receptive to the pollen that is being released. For selective breeding purposes, the individual flowers can be bagged to prevent crossing.

Artichoke flower heads are cut when completely open and beginning to show their white seed plumes. Store the flower heads away in a dry location away from direct sunlight until dry and brittle. Pound the base of the blossom with a hammer and allow to float out of the bag, The seed is heavy and will remain behind, but should be removed from the bag after each flower is processed to avoid crushing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• artichokes like good drainage and soil that is slightly alkaline
• artichokes can handle dry but to keep flower buds fleshy and tender and develop a strong root system, water frequently and deeply, one to three times a week