"Growing Artichokes"

You need a fair amount of space for growing artichokes. In cooler climates they will reach 3ft. high and 3ft. in diameter. In warmer climates, even larger.

However, if you like artichokes, you will be happy growing these wonderful plants!

Soil must be deeply dug and rich in nutrients. Slightly acid is good too. Position should be full sun and well drained. Remove any couch grass and perrenial weeds.

Buy seed from your seed supplier or online at Thompson & Morgan.
Growing Artichokes UK UK supplies
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For all other countries start here: Thompson and Morgan Worldwide

Soil should be irrigated before planting.

In cooler climates, germinate seed indoors or under glass. Ideally soil should be 70-80 degrees F. for good germination. Plant in individual pots - recyclable pots are best for transplanting into the garden at a later date. More details of these pots can be found on our growing cucumber page.

If winters are moderate in your region and the temperature doesn't dip below 15 degrees F, artichokes can be started outside in the autumn. Use root stock from your garden centre or beg a few roots from a gardening friend. When the artichokes get too big, dig up the roots and separate them - then replant or give to someone to start their own artichoke patch!

Caring Watch out for slugs, snails and other garden pests when plants are young. Keep soil moist. Mulch in hot weather and clear mulch if weather cools down.

Although growing artichokes in full sun is advised, sometimes long periods of bright sunlight can burn or damage the buds ( the edible part ) or make them tough and un-appetizing.

When the sun is relentless, try and fix up a little shade over your artichoke plants for a time during the hottest part of the day.

Otherwise, growing artichokes isn't hard, and although still not grown by every budding gardener, if you have the space and like artichokes, it's well worth having a go....Keep moist and weed free and you should get a bumper crop of artichokes year after year.

NB: More artichokes than you can possibly eat or give away? Leave a few of the 'buds' on the plant to flower. Use the flowers in dried flower arrangements in your home

Happy Gardening!

More Artichoke Reading

www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/growingartichokes.html