Artichokes

Artichokes - those cool, architectural plants that give us delicious, edible flower buds. They're not just pretty, they're tasty too! If you're looking to add a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden, growing artichokes might just be the project for you. Let's dive into how to get these beauties thriving.

Summary: Growing Artichokes

Plant artichoke plants in spring after the last frost in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Water them regularly in dry weather and feed with a high potash fertilizer in spring and summer. Harvest the flower buds before they fully open, usually from early to mid-summer. These perennial plants will keep on giving for years to come. Look out for slugs, snails and aphids, and remove any signs of grey mould.

The Allure of the Artichoke

Artichokes aren't your average garden vegetable. They're these striking, statuesque plants with silvery, thistle-like leaves that add a real touch of drama to any space. The real magic, though, lies in those flower buds. Yep, the edible part of the artichoke is actually an immature flower bud! We harvest and eat them before they get a chance to burst open into those gorgeous purple flowers (which are also bee magnets, by the way!). What's even better is that the globe artichoke is a perennial, meaning you plant it once and it will come back year after year. A very low maintenance way to boost your vegetable garden!

Getting Started with Artichoke Planting

Planting artichokes is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, timing is key. You'll want to plant artichokes in the spring, after the last frost has passed. This gives them a good start without the risk of freezing. You can either start artichoke seeds indoors in March or April, or get yourself some young plants in spring. If sowing from seed, use a heated propagator to get them going. If using young plants, try to get the best quality you can from a garden centre.

The Perfect Artichoke Growing Conditions

These plants love a sunny spot, but they also need some shelter from strong winds. So, find a location in your garden that offers both. The ideal artichoke soil is well-drained, as they don't like to sit in soggy conditions. When you're planting artichokes, dig a hole big enough for the root ball and add some well-rotted organic matter to the bottom. Pop the plant in, and water it well. Make sure you allow plenty of space between your artichoke plants. They're going to get quite large and will need at least a meter of space each.

Artichoke Care - Nurturing Your Plants

Once your artichoke plants are in the ground, they do need a little looking after. Make sure you water them regularly, especially during dry spells, whilst the plants are establishing. Feeding them a high potash fertilizer every couple of weeks in spring and summer will boost growth, and encourage better harvests. Artichoke fertilizer is a good way to help the plants produce those delicious edible buds! Taller plants may also need staking to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds. Artichoke care really is quite easy.

Harvesting the Edible Artichokes

The real reward comes with harvesting artichokes. You want to harvest the flower buds before they fully open. Use a sharp knife to cut the bud off the stem. If you leave a few buds to open you can enjoy their beautiful purple flowers and watch the bees love them. Usually, the harvesting artichokes period is from early to mid-summer, so keep a close eye on them. Once harvested cut the plant down to encourage new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Keeping Artichokes Healthy

Artichokes are generally quite hardy, but there are a few artichoke pests and artichoke diseases to look out for. Slugs and snails can be a problem for young plants, so use barriers or traps to keep them at bay. Aphids can sometimes appear, but you can wash them off with a jet of water. Grey mould can occur, particularly in damp conditions, so remove any affected leaves and stems as soon as you see them.

Artichoke Growing Tips

Remember, artichokes love sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering. Feeding them with high potash fertiliser during spring and summer will ensure a good crop. Growing artichokes really isn't too difficult once you know what they need. Don't forget to harvest your artichoke buds early and cut the plant down after harvesting to encourage new growth. Happy artichoke gardening!