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Artichokes are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in many parts of the world Understanding the different growth stages of the artichoke plant can help you provide the best care and maximize your harvest. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the full life cycle of an artichoke plant so you know what to expect.
Artichoke Plant Growth Stages
Artichokes go through several distinct phases as they grow from seed to maturity Here are the key stages
1. Germination
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Artichoke seeds take 10-21 days to germinate when sown indoors at 70-80°F. Provide consistent moisture.
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Direct sowing is not recommended due to finicky germination.
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Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost date.
2. Seedling Stage
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Thin seedlings to one per cell or pot after sprouting.
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Young plants need bright light and temperatures between 60-80°F.
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Harden off before transplanting outside in early spring after danger of frost has passed.
3. Leaf Production and Root Growth
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First year plants focus energy on establishing roots and growing leaves
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Provide ample water, sunlight, and nutrients during this stage.
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Leaves may reach 2-3 feet in length.
4. Flower Initiation
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After 12-18 months, the plant is mature enough to initiate flower buds (chokes).
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Artichokes require vernalization – a period of cool temps below 50°F for several weeks.
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Flower buds start to swell at the tips of branches during this stage.
5. Bud Development
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Over the next 2-3 months, buds rapidly enlarge until ready for harvest.
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Largest mature buds are 3-6 inches in diameter.
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Buds left to develop further will bloom into edible flowers.
6. Flowering
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If buds are not harvested, vibrant purple flowers with yellow centers emerge.
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Flowers bloom for about 3 weeks and reach 8 inches across.
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Open flowers are no longer edible.
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Bees and pollinators love artichoke flowers!
7. Seed Production and Die Back
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After flowering, plants produce seeds if pollinated.
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Seeds mature around 120 days after pollination.
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Plants deteriorate after seed production and will die back.
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In perennial growing zones, plants will regrow from roots and crowns the next season after foliage dies back.
As you can see, artichokes take some time and patience! But with the proper care through each growth phase, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious harvest.
Factors Affecting Growth Stages
Several key factors influence the timing and progression of artichoke growth stages:
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Variety – Early and late maturing varieties mature at different rates.
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Climate – Warmer climates speed up growth. Cooler climates delay stages.
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Hours of Sunlight – At least 4-5 hours of direct sun is needed for robust growth.
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Soil Nutrients – Rich soil and proper fertilization fuels plant development.
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Water – Consistent moisture accelerates growth. Underwatering stunts plants.
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Pests/Diseases – Heavy pest or disease pressure slows stages and reduces yields.
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Vernalization – Lack of cool temps prevents flower initiation.
Paying close attention to these factors will ensure your artichokes transition smoothly through each phase.
Growing Artichokes as Annuals vs. Perennials
You can grow artichokes as annuals or perennials depending on your climate:
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Annual – Grown as annuals in zones 3-6 where winters are cold. Plants seed and die each year.
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Perennial – Grown as perennials in zones 7-11. Plants regrow for up to 8 years.
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Annuals produce for one season. Perennials produce for many years but take longer to bear the first harvest.
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Perennials yield more chokes per plant after the first year. Annuals produce less but offer a quicker harvest.
Choose the appropriate growing method based on your gardening zone and preferences.
Tips for Each Growth Stage
Here are some tips to ensure your artichokes thrive during key stages:
Germination
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Soak seeds in water for 48 hours before planting to improve germination.
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Cover seeds lightly, no more than 1/4 inch deep.
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Use bottom heat and grow lights to boost success.
Seedling Care
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Provide at least 16 hours of light per day for rapid growth.
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Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
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Harden off for 7-10 days by setting plants outdoors for increased time periods.
Flower Initiation
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Give plants at least 2 weeks below 50°F to vernalize.
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Cool temps can be achieved naturally outdoors or via a garage or cold frame.
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Ensure proper hardening off so young plants aren’t damaged.
Flowering
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Stake tall flowering stalks if needed for support.
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Enjoy the show! No maintenance needed during this stage.
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Allow some buds to bloom for pollinators to enjoy.
Understanding the growth cycle of artichokes takes some of the guesswork out of growing these unique plants. Pay close attention to their growth stage and corresponding care needs throughout the season. With proper vernalization, ample nutrition, sufficient watering, and pest prevention, your artichoke plants will flourish through every phase. The growth stages may seem complex, but don’t let that intimidate you. Just focus on each stage as it comes. Before you know it, you’ll be harvesting bountiful artichoke buds for your family to enjoy!
When to Plant Artichokes
- Artichokes can be started from seeds, from rooted shoots taken from growing plants, or from dormant roots.
- If starting from seeds:
- Start seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, about 8-10 weeks before planting outside.
- Soak the seeds in warm water before sowing in trays or pots.
- Place the trays or pots in a warm spot with bright light.
- Keep the soil moist.
- Plant seedlings and shoots in the garden in the spring after the last spring frost.
- Dormant roots can be planted in the fall or winter in frost-free regions. In cooler climates, plant the roots in the spring after the last frost.
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Artichokes
The globe artichoke is a perennial in the thistle family that produces long, silver-green, lobed leaves that make the artichoke look like a giant fern. Learn how to plant and grow edible artichokes in your garden!
The buds (i.e., the “artichokes” that we harvest and eat), if allowed to flower, are thistle-like and violet. These large plants can be grown in rows in the garden, as informal hedges, or planted as a wide border. Artichokes can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet.
Artichokes prefer cool, humid summers and mild winters. In cool regions, plan to treat the artichoke as an annual.
One plant will produce many artichokes. The biggest bud grows on the top of the plant, and many smaller ones grow beneath. Read Next
Choose a spot in the garden that gets full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day).
Artichokes are heavy feeders. For each plant, mix a shovel of compost or aged manure into the soil before planting. They require consistent moisture but do not like to be in waterlogged soil.
How to Grow Artichokes Start to Finish – Complete Growing Guide
FAQ
How long does it take for an artichoke to fully grow?
How many years do artichoke plants live?
How do you increase artichoke yield?
How long does it take artichoke to grow?
The plants produce 3 to 5 large, round artichoke buds that are 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Many Green Globe varieties have been improved to have less spines on their leaves. 120-180 days to mature from seed, depending on exact cultivar. Imperial Star is another very common and popular artichoke variety.
What is the vegetative growth stage of an artichoke plant?
It is important to keep an eye out for pests and diseases at this stage, as they can quickly damage young plants. The vegetative growth stage is when the artichoke plant really begins to take shape. The plant will develop larger leaves and stems, and may even produce small buds that will eventually become artichokes.
How tall do artichokes grow?
These large plants can be grown in rows in the garden, as informal hedges, or planted as a wide border. Artichokes can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet. Artichokes prefer cool, humid summers and mild winters. In cool regions, plan to treat the artichoke as an annual. One plant will produce many artichokes.
How do you grow artichokes?
Artichokes are heavy feeders. For each plant, mix a shovel of compost or aged manure into the soil before planting. They require consistent moisture but do not like to be in waterlogged soil. Artichokes can be started from seeds, from rooted shoots taken from growing plants, or from dormant roots.