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Growing artichokes is such a joy. ♥ Here in Southern California artichokes are easy to grow. They love our mediterranean climate and are fantastic candidates for those of you looking to create an edible, low-maintenance landscape. If you go to the grocery store, you’ll see that good artichokes are both hard to find and expensive. That fact alone, makes them a prime candidate for growing at home.
I am thrilled to write this article for you because it is based off the many questions that you have submitted to me via Instagram. As much as I would love for everyone to grow artichokes, please keep in mind that, for some climates, it can be a struggle and may not be as worthwhile. I personally think growing plants that thrive in your unique climate is the key to gardening with less stress and making the most of your resources. Find your gardening zone HERE.
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Do you divide your artichokes? How to Divide Artichokes!
You can. Lots of people do to get free plants! Artichoke plants produce “pups” each season–usually appearing in early Spring. An artichoke pup is basically a mini plant that seems to be growing off the base of the artichoke (see photo above of a cluster of artichoke pups). When the pup is still small, you can use a shovel to separate it from the plant cluster. This process is called “dividing” because you are splitting up the root system and separating the pups from the mother plant. See my helpful tips below for transplanting artichoke pups! This year my artichokes got away from me and I did not divide mine. They are still growing and producing fine! I do wonder if never dividing them can result in over-crowding (and thus diminished production) but that is one answer I do not know.
To divide artichoke pups for free plants: When the pups are small (about 6-12 inches is ideal), simply place the tip of a large shovel between the pup and the mother plant, push down hard to cut/separate the pup from the main root system, and transplant elsewhere. Water extremely well for the next several days to ensure recovery! When you dig up the pup, just check that it still has some root intact so it can survive the transplant. See my newly transplanted artichoke pup below:
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Growing Artichokes from Seed
Is it hard to start artichokes from seed? It is actually very easy to start artichokes from seed. All of mine were started from seeds in 4″ pots using this mix of Improved Globe and Purple of Romagna artichokes. The main concern when starting from seed is: when will you get your first harvest? In general, artichokes that are started from seed in Spring might not reach producing status until the following Spring (depending on weather and vigor). This can be an obstacle for those of you growing where the Winters are cold enough to kill the plants. I started my artichoke seeds in Fall of 2018 and had a wonderful crop that Spring 2019. It also might be possible to start your seeds indoors in early Winter for transplant in early Spring—to try and get a crop that same year. Bottom line, they take some time to establish. I would definitely start my seeds in Fall (for Southern CA) or early Winter or Spring.
For colder growing zones, look into growing artichokes as annuals. I recently saw this variety from Johnny’s Selected Seeds that was specifically bred for growing as an annual in colder climates.
Want all my seed starting tips? Start by checking out The Basics of Growing From Seed.
How to Grow Artichokes in ANY Climate
FAQ
Are bigger artichokes better?
How much space do artichokes need?
Where do artichokes grow best?