Artichokes can be produced from seeds or from
vegetative means such as division, root cuttings or micropropagation.
Artichokes are relatively simple
to grow from seed, although they will not grow genetically true to the parent
plants. Sowing a few extra seeds will
allow you to weed out any rogue plants.
Start sowing from late February. You
can start the seed on a warm, well lit windowsill, greenhouse or conservatory. Fill
9 cm pots with John Innes seed and cutting mix and add some grit to help with the
drainage. Plant two seeds in each pot
and cover gently with soil and water well.
Remember to water as necessary, ensuring that the compost is neither
waterlogged nor allowed to dry out.
The artichoke seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks. Remove the weaker seedling from the pot
after two weeks. Begin to harden off the
seedlings outside for several weeks before positioning them in their final
position. Plant out when the risk of frost have passed, when the plants are
20-25 cm high with two sets of leaves and thick stems. Select a sunny sheltered
position at 1 metre spacing in an rich, deep, free draining soil.
Artichokes require good soil, regular watering and
feeding. Ensure the plants do not dry out in hot weather. Feed the plants once a week with
a good quality liquid plant fertiliser. In the autumn cut back the stems and cover the crown with a thick mulch to protect from frost. Add a layer of well rotted manure to the plants in the spring.
In the first year remove any flower heads as they form as the plants need to put all their energy into growth. During the second year you can harvest the artichokes. Select the main terminal (top) bud first, then the side buds.
In the first year remove any flower heads as they form as the plants need to put all their energy into growth. During the second year you can harvest the artichokes. Select the main terminal (top) bud first, then the side buds.
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