How to Grow Delicious Artichokes from Seed

Seeing the large globe of an artichoke and imagining growing the edible beast in a garden may seem intimidating, but artichokes can be an easy and striking addition with the ability to grow almost anywhere in the United States. Depending on climate, some artichoke plants may return as perennials.

Artichoke seeds can be started in February in a greenhouse or under a fluorescent light, planted about 1/4-inch deep in 4-inch containers. Artichokes are known as tap-rooted plants, which means their roots grow deep, even as seedlings. Be sure to plant the seeds in a deep container. Transport seedlings to the garden 8 to 10 weeks later, but be sure the danger of frost has passed. By then, the transplant should be nearing 10 inches in height. Plant the seedlings four feet or more apart as the plants grow large. Before planting in the garden, add compost to the soil.

Artichokes require vernalization, which is a process where the plant experiences cooler temperatures such as below 50 degrees, for a few weeks, in order to accelerate flowering. However, the plant is frost sensitive, so plant after frost dates but before spring temperatures rise.

Artichokes require nutrient-rich soil, so be sure to fertilize with fish emulsion. Artichokes can reach a height of five to six feet tall and up to five feet wide, so be sure there is plenty of space for the plant to grow. Often times, artichokes do nit grow true to their seed name, and gardeners will have better luck purchasing artichoke seed rather than harvesting from their own plant. Keep the artichoke bed free of weeds and add a multi-inch layer of mulch around the plants to reduce weed growth. Not many animals eat artichoke plants, though beware of slugs and aphids.

Harvest buds measuring at least three inches across while the bud is still closed. The more a bud opens, it becomes bitter, and fully open buds are inedible. To harvest, cut a couple of inches of the bud’s stem to easily handle the bud. lower buds won’t grow as large as the top ones. When all buds have been harvested, cut the entire plant back by a third to encourage future growth. Store artichokes in the refrigerator.

When growing vegetables, it is always exciting to care for the plant throughout its growing phase and then harvest it for delicious recipes later on, but one thing to watch out for is pests and diseases. Different plants are susceptible to different types of pests and diseases, and it is important to make yourself aware so you can keep a watchful eye and also take any preventative methods to keep your plants safe throughout their lifespan.

Some of the organisms that can harm an artichoke plant include sucking insects, such as aphids, mites, scabs and thrips. These pests not only aid in transmitting diseases that can harm an artichoke plant, they also slow down the rate at which the plant grows.

Other insects, such as chewing insects like leafhoppers, moths, cutworms, armyworms and larvae can harm the artichoke plant by damaging the leaves, worsen the aesthetic appeal of the plant and even kill the plant’s foliage if let get out of control.

There are several ways to prevent and rid these pests from your artichoke plants. The first step is the check the plant to check if you can see any of the pests. Do not forget to check underneath the plant’s large leaves.

If you do find some of the above pests harming your artichoke plants, there are several methods you can take. First, spray the leaves of the plant in the morning with water to wash away many of the insects. Next, you can utilize a horticultural soap or a neem oil for the plants that may be experiencing a larger infestation. If you see any larvae on the plant, pick them off before they can damage it. If the infestation is truly out of control, use pesticides.

It is not just bugs that can harm or even kill your artichoke plants, but the artichoke plant is susceptible to several different diseases, as well. One common occurrence that happens in young plants is damping off, which is a soil-borne disease that makes the artichokes wilt and then die.

Powdery mildew and Botrytis fungus are tow common diseases affecting the artichoke plant. The powdery mildew will create a white coating on the leaves and the Botrytis fungus will cause the plant to collapse.

Diseases are a bit tougher to stop once they occur, but prevention is the gardener’s best friend when it comes to keeping diseases away. Utilize crop rotation so the same type of crops aren’t growing in the same area year after year. Another common mistake made by gardeners is overhead watering, and by avoiding this, you may be able to avoid many different types of diseases, especially those caused by fungus.

What an artichoke craves:

Artichoke plants thrive and set their best buds in full sun, but in warmer climates, the plant can tolerate partial shade. Artichokes grow best in a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Artichokes require well-drained soil, as well as soil with a good amount of organic matter. If garden soil is of poor quality, plant the artichokes in raised beds.

How to Grow Artichokes in ANY Climate

FAQ

How long does it take an artichoke to grow from seed?

Growing Artichokes Artichokes were very high on our list of crops to grow but we had heard they were a bit difficult to grow. Turns out they weren’t any trouble at all. They do take up quite a bit of space, and their growing season is about three or four months from seed to harvest.

Why are artichokes hard to grow?

Two reasons artichoke plants fail are summer drought and winter soil that’s waterlogged.

How many artichokes will one plant produce?

• Typical Yield: Expect 6-20 artichokes per plant, though some plants may produce more. 

• Factors Affecting Yield:
  • Plant Health: A healthy plant with good soil, water, and sunlight will produce more artichokes. 

  • Pest and Disease Control: Protecting your plant from pests and diseases is crucial for a good harvest. 

  • Weed Control: Removing weeds helps ensure the plant has access to nutrients and water. 

  • Plant Size: Larger, well-established plants generally produce more artichokes. 

  • Climate: Artichokes thrive in mild climates and can be grown as perennials in warmer areas, while in cooler climates, they are often treated as annuals. 

• Harvesting:
  • Harvest artichokes when the buds are tightly closed and the outer scales are a vibrant green. 

  • Cut the stem just below the bud when harvesting. 

  • Artichokes are perennials, so you can expect multiple harvests from the same plant over several years. 

Should I soak artichoke seeds before planting?

• Optional, but potentially beneficial:

  Soaking artichoke seeds in water for 24 hours before planting can help soften the seed coat, which might make it easier for the seed to germinate. 

• Soaking method:

  If you choose to soak, place the seeds in a container of lukewarm water for about 24 hours. 

• After soaking:

  After soaking, plant the seeds in well-draining soil, keeping the soil consistently moist. 

• Germination:

  Artichoke seeds typically germinate in 10 to 21 days under ideal conditions. 

• Alternative method:

  Some gardeners prefer to sow the seeds directly into the garden or start them indoors in trays or containers, then transplant them once established. 

• Bottom heat:

  Artichokes respond well to bottom heat, which can help speed up germination. 

• Timing:

  For planting zones 7 and higher, start artichoke seeds in August for October and November transplanting. 

• Hardening off:

  Seedlings should be hardened off before placing directly outside. 

• Fertilizing:

  Fertilize seedlings bi-weekly to encourage strong growth. 

How do you grow artichokes from seeds?

Step 1: Plant Artichokes seeds indoors. Head start your seeds indoors to maximize the growing season. Plant each seed in 10.2cm (4-inch) containers. Then, place them in a heated greenhouse or under fluorescent lights. If left under normal indoor temperatures, the seeds can germinate in a week.

Can artichokes grow indoors?

Artichokes grow well in containers, an excellent solution for those in cold zones. You can also start the seeds indoors in mid-winter and then transplant them in the spring. Before planting, add some compost to your soil. Plant artichoke seeds half an inch deep and thin to six feet apart. Space transplants three to four feet apart.

Can you plant artichoke seeds outside?

Depending on your growing zone, you can do it naturally or artificially. If outdoor temperatures align with your growing season, you can place artichoke seedlings outdoors for 10 to 12 days when temperatures are above freezing but still below 50ºF.