Artichokes grow best in areas with long mild winters and cool summers. Artichokes do not grow well where the summers are sweltering, and where winters are cold and the ground freezes, artichokes must be replanted each year. Perennial artichokes should be cut back to about 12 inches in winter and the roots and crown heavily mulched with leaves or compost. For artichoke growing tips see Artichoke Growing Success Tips at the bottom of this post.
Growing artichokes can be a rewarding experience. These unique plants produce delicious edible flower buds that are a culinary delight. However, artichoke plants are prone to rot, which can destroy your crop. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of rot in artichoke plants and provide actionable solutions to prevent it.
What Causes Rot in Artichoke Plants?
Several factors can lead to rot affecting your artichoke plant’s roots stems, leaves and buds. Being aware of these causes is the first step in preventing the problem. Here are some of the most common reasons artichoke plants develop rot
Overwatering
Excessive soil moisture is one of the leading causes of rot in artichoke plants. These plants need good drainage. When the soil stays saturated for too long it deprives the roots of oxygen. This anaerobic condition encourages fungal infections and bacterial rot to take hold. Overwatering is a common mistake for artichoke growers especially in areas with frequent rainfall.
Poor Drainage
Even if you don’t overwater, poor drainage can still lead to excess moisture around the roots. Heavy clay soils that don’t drain well are prone to waterlogging. This saturated soil prevents oxygen from reaching the roots and invites rot-causing pathogens.
Compacted Soil
Similarly, overly compacted soil prevents proper airflow and drainage. This also creates an oxygen-deprived environment conducive to rot.
Excess Humidity
Artichokes thrive in cooler climates with moderately high humidity. However, excessive atmospheric moisture, especially coupled with poor air circulation, can lead to fungal and bacterial rot diseases.
Fungal Infections
Several fungal pathogens target artichokes and cause devastating rot diseases. Two of the most common are Sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) and grey mold (Botrytis cinerea). Both thrive in damp, humid conditions.
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria like Erwinia carotovora can infect artichoke roots and crowns, causing mushy brown rot, especially in saturated soils.
Insufficient Winter Chill
Artichokes require a certain amount of cool temperatures or “chill hours” during the winter to produce properly the following season. Insufficient winter chill can weaken plants and make them prone to rot pathogens.
Pests & Mechanical Damage
Pests like cutworms, earwigs, and slugs that chew on stems and leaves can provide entry points for rot-causing fungi and bacteria. Physical damage from farm equipment, gardening tools, or weather events like hail can also create openings for infection.
How to Prevent Rot in Artichoke Plants
While artichoke rot diseases can be devastating, the good news is rot can be prevented with proper planting methods and care. Here are some tips to keep your artichoke plants healthy and productive:
Select a Well-Draining Site
Choose a planting area with deep, loamy soil that drains readily. Avoid heavy clay locations. For boggy sites, build raised beds to improve drainage.
Test & Amend the Soil
Have your soil tested to determine pH and nutrient levels. Artichokes prefer a slightly alkaline pH between 6.5-7.5. Incorporate compost or aged manure before planting to enrich the soil with organic matter. This helps loosen heavy clay soils for better drainage.
Space Plants Properly
Allow 4-6 feet between artichoke plants and 6-8 feet between rows. Proper spacing ensures air circulation to dry foliage and prevent humid conditions conducive to rot.
Use Drip Irrigation
Water artichokes at the soil level with drip irrigation or soaker hoses rather than overhead watering. This keeps the foliage dry to prevent foliar fungal and bacterial diseases.
Water Infrequently But Deeply
Let the soil partially dry out between waterings. About 1-2 inches per week is sufficient for artichokes depending on weather. Deep watering encourages deep roots, making plants more rot resistant.
Apply Much Around Plants
Spread 4-6 inches of organic mulch like wood chips or straw around plants to conserve moisture and prevent soil compaction. Keep mulch a few inches from stems to avoid rot.
Stake/Train Plants
Stake up taller varieties and train plants to grow vertically. This opens up air circulation to allow foliage to dry out.
Remove Weeds & Debris
Keep the planting area free of weeds and remove plant debris like fallen leaves or stems that can harbor rot pathogens.
Allow Winter Chill
If possible, choose artichoke varieties suited to your winter chill hours. Provide winter mulch in colder climates.
Practice Crop Rotation
Don’t plant artichokes in the same spot each year. Rotate to a different area to prevent disease buildup in the soil.
Apply Preventative Fungicides
Apply registered biofungicides as a preventative measure before fungal diseases take hold. Products containing Bacillus subtilis or Trichoderma strains can help suppress soil pathogens. Always follow label directions.
Control Slugs & Snails
Reduce populations of these rot-spreading pests with traps, barriers, or approved baits used according to label guidelines. Remove them by hand.
Harvest at Optimal Time
Harvest artichoke heads when tightly closed to avoid rot gaining entry through opened bract tips. Cut stems with clean, sharp shears.
Scout for Issues
Inspect plants frequently for early signs of rot like leaf spots, wilting, or stem lesions. Remove and destroy any infected plants immediately.
What To Do if Your Artichokes Develop Rot
Even if you follow best practices, artichokes may still occasionally fall victim to rot diseases. Here’s what to do if you spot rot in your crop:
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Act quickly before rot spreads further.
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Remove and discard severely infected plants. Don’t compost diseased material.
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For plants with some healthy tissue left, prune out all infected parts well below rotted areas. Sterilize pruners between each cut.
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Improve drainage and airflow around affected plants.
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Discontinue overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
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Apply registered fungicides labeled for artichoke diseases. Follow all label instructions. Biofungicides with Bacillus subtilis can help suppress rot pathogens.
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After harvest, cut back all dead growth and remove plant debris from the area.
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Mark locations of infected plants and don’t plant artichokes there next season.
With attentive care and preventative measures, you can keep devastating rot diseases from wiping out your artichoke crop. Pay close attention to drainage, irrigation, and moisture management when growing these unique plants. With some patience and persistence, you can successfully harvest delicious, rot-free artichoke heads. Let us know if you have any other tips for avoiding artichoke rot!
Jagged holes in leaves, stems
Snails and slugs scrape holes in foliage at night; they hide beneath boards and garden debris during the day. Handpick and destroy slugs and snails in the evening. Place saucers of beer at soil level to attract and drown snails and slugs. Dust with diatomaceous earth around plants.
Holes in stems and leaves; discolored spots on bracts
The larva of the artichoke plume moth is a ½-inch long green or yellowish caterpillar with black shield marks; the adult is a brownish moth with featherlike wings. Cut plants to soil level once a year; remove and destroy plant debris. Cover trimmed plants with 6 inches of soil. Using Bacillus thuringiensis and predaceous nematodes is effective.
Simplest & Cheapest Method To Prevent Blossom End Rot (BER) – Using Tums!
FAQ
What is the root rot on my artichokes?
Are coffee grounds good for artichoke plants?
What is eating holes in my artichokes?
How do you protect artichokes?
Why are my artichokes rotting?
The most common culprits are aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies, which all feed on the sap of plants. When these pests feed on artichokes, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. This honeydew provides an ideal breeding ground for sooty mold, which can quickly cover the plant and interfere with photosynthesis.
Can artichoke plant diseases be avoided?
The majority of artichoke plant diseases can be avoided by crop rotation, pest management, and avoiding overhead watering. Some diseases, like verticillium wilt, are common on other crop plants like strawberries and lettuces. Avoid planting near these crops to avoid spreading disease.
What causes black spots on artichokes?
These black, sooty deposits on the leaves and stems of plants are a sure sign of a pest infestation. The most common culprits are aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies, which all feed on the sap of plants. When these pests feed on artichokes, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew.
How to prevent artichoke pests?
One of the best ways to prevent artichoke pests is to destroy weeds. Weeds provide a safe haven for pests, and they can also compete with artichokes for resources like water and sunlight. By keeping your garden free of weeds, you can create a hostile environment for pests and reduce the risk of infestation.