HOW TO GROW ARTICHOKES

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Related to the cardoon, globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are native to the Mediterranean, and have been cultivated in Sicily since the time of the ancient Greeks. They derive their name from the Italian word ‘articiocco’, which comes from the Ligurian word ‘cocali’ meaning pine cone.

Artichokes have a delicate flavour and are considered a gourmet vegetable. They can be produced from seeds but rooted cuttings can produce faster results.

There are hundreds of varieties of artichoke to choose from. You can still buy a few of the old historic varieties such as 'Violetta di Chioggia', and 'Gros Vert de Laon'. The edible flower is produced from the second year onwards, although some varieties of artichoke can be grown from seed as annuals

Planting

Artichokes require good soil, regular watering and feeding.  Add plenty of well rotted manure to the soil and add grit to improve drainage if you have clay soil.  Add a general purpose fertiliser to the soil before planting.

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. 

The season for harvesting artichokes is the spring, but this can continue into the summer and mid-autumn.  Cut artichokes 3-5 cm from the stem.  They process good keeping qualities, remaining fresh for several weeks.

Growing artichokes from seed

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 a rich, deep, free draining soil.

Growing artichokes from rooted cuttings 

Artichokes require good soil, regular watering and feeding.  Add plenty of well rotted manure to the soil and add grit to improve drainage if you have clay soil.  Add a general purpose fertiliser to the soil before planting.

Plant out in spring when the risk of frost have passed. Select a sunny sheltered position at 1 metre spacing in a rich, deep, free draining soil. Dig a hole bigger than the sucker and plant the sucker at the same soil level. Fill the hole with soil, ensuring the plant is firm, and water well.

For related articles click onto:

Artichokes
How to grow artichokes from rooted cuttings
How to grow artichokes from seed
How to make compost
How to propagate using division
How to propagate from seed
Manuring
Preparing a seed bed
Potagers
What is an artichoke?
What is the difference between a vegetable and a fruit?
Vegetable crop rotation
Weeding