How to Grow Artichokes in the Home Garden

Artichokes are ornamental plants as well as edible.

Artichokes are thistle-like plants that are attractive in ornamental vegetable gardens, as well as ordinary home gardens. These vegetables are actually flower heads. They are best eaten young, even when they are as small as golf balls. It is easiest to start artichokes from "offsets," suckers from an established plant that will root and grow. Nutritionally, artichokes contain a good supply of calcium, potassium and vitamins A, B, and C.

Things You'll Need

• Artichoke offsets

Instructions

1. Clear a sunny area that is protected from weather like strong wind. Dig compost into the soil the fall before planting. Keep in mind that the artichokes stay in place for several years.

2. Set artichoke out offshoots in the spring. Plant the offsets about 3 feet apart and about 2 inches deep. Water them well and trim the ends of leaves so they are only 5 inches long. If frost threatens the new shoots, cover them at night.

3. Water the shoots well and do not let them dry out. Cut off the main flower head as soon as it shows during the first year. This allows it to branch out and become a stronger plant.

4. Cut the top bud when it is large and soft, but just before the scales open to harvest. You should eventually get a dozen chokes from each plant. Cut the artichokes sparingly during the first year, but more regularly during the second year.

5. Reserve some artichoke offsets for new plantings in the third year, as the original artichoke plants begin to fade.

Tips & Warnings

• In fall, draw soil up over the plants or cover them with straw. Uncover them in spring and fertilize with a liquid fertilizer.

• Water is crucial. Too much can rot the plant and too little results in underdeveloped artichokes.

References

• Oregon State University Extension: How to Grow Artichokes

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish