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Artichoke Questions and Answers – Planting FAQs

Introduction to Artichoke Questions and Answers, planting instructions, and FAQs: Hello gardeners, we are back with another article. Do you want to plant artichoke and do you have any doubts about planting artichoke? Well, you will need to follow this complete article.

The globe artichoke, also known by the names French artichoke and even green artichoke in the U.S., is a variety of a species of thistle planted as a food. The edible portion of the plant usually consists of the flower buds before the flowers come into the bloom stage.

The Overview Table Of Artichoke Is Given Below:

Botanical NameCynara scolymus
Common NameArtichoke, globe artichoke, French artichoke, and even green artichoke
Plant TypeHerbaceous perennial
Mature Size3 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide
Sun ExposureFull sun
Soil TypeLight, fertile and well-drained
Soil pHNeutral that is 6.5 to 7.5
Bloom TimeLate summer and even early fall
Flower ColorPurple

Artichoke Questions and Answers, Artichoke Quiz, Artichoke FAQs, and Planting Instructions

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Artichoke (pic credit: pixabay)

The buds that are the “artichokes” that we usually harvest and eat, if allowed to flower, are thistle-like and even violet. These very large plants can be grown in rows in the garden, as informal hedges, or even planted in a wide border. Artichokes can easily reach heights of 3 to 5 feet.

Artichokes usually prefer cool, humid summers and even mild winters. In cool regions, you need to treat the artichoke as an annual plant.

One plant will produce many artichokes. The biggest bud grows on the top of the plant and many smaller ones grow beneath the plant.

Now, let us discuss some frequently asked questions about artichoke planting

Where do artichokes grow well and best?

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

How many days does it take to grow an artichoke?

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

Are artichokes very easy to grow?

Artichokes are very easy to grow in mild climates where the growing season is long and even temperatures are not extreme. These artichokes are usually left to bloom for ornament. This is especially useful in areas where they are grown as perennial.

Do artichokes need full sun to grow well?

Artichokes thrive in full sun to partial shade. They also need light, fertile and well-drained soil to grow well. Adding compost will also improve the soil’s ability to retain water in summer and drain in winter.

How deep do artichoke roots go?

The roots of artichokes spread deep and even wide into the ground, so you need to provide them with at least 6 feet of growing space.

How can I know when artichokes are ready to be picked?

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

How long does it take for artichoke to produce fruit?

In case if you miss this: How To Start Gardening In Australia.

Planting Artichokes
Artichoke plant (pic credit: pixabay)

Artichokes take at least 110 to 150 days to reach maturity if planting from seed and then 100 days from divisions. Most of them do not flower until the second year of growth.

How to plant artichokes?

  1. You need to space each plant three to four feet apart in rows and then leave four to five feet between the rows.
  2. You need to plant the shoots and even dormant roots about six inches deep. The tops need to be above ground level.
  3. Then, water very deeply at the time of planting.

What grows well with the globe artichoke plant?

Good companions for globe artichokes are given below:

  • Swedes
  • Broccoli
  • Radishes
  • Sweet Corn

At what temperature do artichokes grow well?

The optimal and ideal growing temperature is not less than 10°C at night and not more than 24°C during the day. You should not plant artichokes where there are fewer than 100 frost-free growing days. You need to plant artichokes on the average date of the last frost in late winter or even early spring.

How do I keep bugs off my artichoke plant?

You need to blast the leaves with water in the morning to remove all the bugs or insects. Apply horticultural soap or even neem oil for heavier infestations and then pick off larvae before they can do any serious damage to your plant.

Can artichoke plants grow in clay soil?

Artichokes can thrive in clay soils, as long as they have very good drainage and even soil structure. We usually recommend incorporating several inches of high-quality compost into your soil before planting.

Do artichokes like clay soil or not?

Artichokes need rich, fertile, and sandy loam soil packed with nutrients. It will not do well in soil that gets waterlogged. If you have clay soil, then you can work in some sand and even organic matter to improve drainage.

What can I feed artichoke plants?

In areas where plants can produce all year round, you need to feed them in the fall with a high nitrogen fertilizer. In cold areas, you need to feed in the spring. Better use a side-dressing to fertilize. Apply approximately 1/10 pound of nitrogen per plant when the new crown growth begins out of the plant.

Why my artichoke plant is dying?

Among the most damaging and even irreversible causes of yellowing and death in artichoke plants is verticillium wilt, which is usually caused by the pathogen Vertillicium dahliae. The first signs include chlorosis, or even yellowing, along the ribs and veins of the artichoke plant and the production of very smaller buds.

Why are my artichoke plant leaves turning brown?

Artichokes are sensitive to too little or even too much moisture in the soil. Prolonged periods of drought may result in very small numbers of tiny and stunted buds with weak stems. Bracts often develop a brown to black discoloration without enough water to the plant. You need to monitor the soil moisture constantly to ensure a proper balance.

How can I revive an artichoke?

To refresh the limp artichoke plant, you need to simply re-cut the stems and then stand the artichokes in a bowl or even glass of cold water and chill. Then, change the water daily and they will keep it for days.

How can I over-winter artichokes?

To over-winter containerized artichoke plants, you need to cut the plants down to the crown when the danger of frost threatens. Move the plants indoors and then water them every four to six weeks until spring’s arrival.

What is the best fertilizer for growing artichokes?

  • If manure is available, then mix 100 to 140 pounds of composted manure per 100 square feet into the soil before planting them
  • Phosphorus and even potash are best applied before planting and should also be worked in
  • Artichokes usually require about 0.1 pounds of nitrogen that is N per 100 square feet of the ground

How do I care for an artichoke plant?

You may also check this: How To Grow Plants In Hydroponics.

Artichoke plant care
Artichoke plant care (Image source: pixabay)

After planting, artichokes require certain basic care:

Water – Artichokes are a water-loving plant, so make sure to keep their soil moist but not soaking wet. Do this to avoid stressing out the roots.

Fertilize the soil – As they are heavy feeders, artichokes usually love soil rich in organic matter.

What can I feed artichoke plants?

Artichokes are heavy feeders, so, for each plant, you need to work into the soil one cup of complete organic fertilizer or a shovel of compost, or even aged chicken manure just before planting. You can also apply 1⁄2 cup each of feather or even blood meal and bone meal for each artichoke plant.

Can I grow an artichoke plant in a pot/container?

To grow an artichoke in a container/pot, you need to select a pot that is at least 3 feet or 1 m wide and a foot or 30 cm deeper. Amend a good quality and well-draining potting mix with plenty of compost. Then fertilize the container-grown artichoke in midsummer with either commercial fertilizer or even a top dressing of compost.

What is the best container size to grow artichoke?

A 14 to 16 inches deep and even wide container is going to be best for growing these plants as their roots expand, and the plant produces nearly about 26 to 44 artichokes per growing season.

Why my artichokes are very small?

Artichokes are sensitive to too little or even too much moisture in the soil. Prolonged periods of drought will result in very small numbers of tiny and stunted buds with weak stems.

Can artichokes be grown indoors?

Artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are usually grown for their edible flower buds. They can be annual or even perennial plants, depending on the variety. In very warm Mediterranean climates, they are grown outdoors year-round and then harvested in the spring. They can be grown indoors, however, if you have more space.

How can I look after an artichoke plant?

Water plants well until established, ensuring that they do not dry out in hot weather.

You need to cut back stems in autumn and then protect the crown over winter with a thick mulch of bark chippings, straw, or even other material.

In early spring, better add a mulch of well-rotted manure to help boost growth.

Can I grow artichokes in a greenhouse?

Artichokes are very easily started from seed in a greenhouse or even under fluorescent lights. Getting a head start is an important step in producing artichokes in the first year, whether they are grown as an annual or as a perennial.

How much space does an artichoke plant need to grow well?

Artichoke plants usually require full sun, so if you plant them too closely together, the very large plants can shade smaller ones. You need to plant your artichoke transplants in a row at an interval of 4 to 6 feet. Placing rows 6 to 8 feet apart will allow room to very easily water, fertilize, and even harvest.

Do artichoke plants need a lot of water to grow?

Artichokes love water. They need water to produce tender buds. As a thistle, the perennial power of an artichoke plant lies in its very deep roots. To encourage strong roots, you need to use Gilmour’s Thumb Control Swivel Nozzle to water deep.

How many days do artichoke seeds take to germinate?

To begin germinating, artichoke seeds need a temperature around 20°C and they will take two to three weeks to sprout.

Can I plant artichokes bought from the grocery store?

Yes, you can plant artichokes bought from grocery stores very easily. Artichokes are perennials in mild climates, so you only need to start plants once and then you can technically have artichoke plants forever if you care for them properly.

When to plant artichoke crowns?

You need to plant artichoke root divisions or “crowns” in late winter if the soil is easily worked or in early spring about 2 weeks before the last frost.

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