Simple tips on how to grow artichoke

The origin of artichoke can be traced from Southern Europe, North America. The botanical name for artichoke is called Cynara scolymus. While the common name is called Artichoke, globe artichoke. This particular plant is an edible thistle flower bud that is eaten before it opens. This plant is a tender perennials plant that grow from about 3 to 4 feet tall and to 6 feet across. The artichoke crown or root division should be set out in spring about 2 weeks before the last frost.

The artichoke plant yield

 Ensure you grow 1 or 2 plants per household member.

The land preparation

One thing about Artichokes plant is that they grow best where there are mild, frost free winters and long, moist summers. (This plant are commonly grown along the central California coast and along the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts.) Make sure the optimal growing temperature is not less 50°F at night and not more than 75°F during the day. Make sure you don’t plant the artichokes where there are fewer than 100 frost-free growing days.

Planting time of Artichoke

Make sure you plant the artichokes on the average date of the last frost in late winter or early spring. Also make sure you set your root divisions up to 2 weeks before the last frost. Don’t forget that the optimal planting soil temperature is between 50° and 85°F.

Ways to to plant the Artichokes

 The artichokes should be grow from offshoots, suckers, or seed. Make sure you plant the artichokes in full sun. One thing about artichokes is that they require rich, well-drained, moisture retentive soil with a soil pH of about 6.0 and 6.8. Make sure you add a compost and well-aged manure to the planting beds in advance of planting.

The spacing of the plant

Make sure you set offshoots or suckers 3 to 4 feet apart in rows of about 6 feet apart. Also make sure you sow seed ½ inch deep. Also thin to 6 feet apart.

The watering and feeding of the plant

Make sure you keep the soil evenly moist. Always allow the soil to dry between watering. Make sure you add a low nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 to planting beds in spring and fall.
artichokes companion plants: You can easily plant artichokes with other perennial vegetables like asparagus.

How to Care for artichokes plant

 If the winter is cold, you can cut plants back to about 10 inches and cover it with a box or basket and then mulch with about 2 feet of straw or leaves to help maintain an even soil temperature. This plant actually bear best the second year and should be started from new plants every three to four years.

How to  grow artichokes in container

If you are growing artichokes in container make sure it is grown in a  large containers at least 36 to 40 inches wide.

The Pests and disease control in artichokes

 This plant is like any other plant that also face some pest and disease challenges. The insect that attack artichokes are Aphids and plume moths. Actually the plume moth is a problem in heavy artichoke-growing districts. You can hose off aphids.
A diseases like Crown rot may infect plants covered in winter. Make sure you don’t place mulch until the soil temperature drops to about 40°F. Make sure you remove mulch as soon as the weather begins to warm. Try as much as possible to plant disease resistant varieties when they are available. Try to also avoid the handling of plants when they are wet. Make sure you remove infected plants and destroy them.

How to harvest Artichokes plant

Harvesting the Artichokes is the final stage. This plant can be harvested in the beginning of the second year. Make sure you cut the buds about the size of an apple before they open. Also cut the stems 1½ inches below the bud.
Some of the varieties of Artichokes are Violetto, Green Globe and Imperial Star.
Furthermore, starting a commercial Artichokes farming can be very profitable if it is done in a proper way. If you really want to venture into commercial Artichokes farming you can purchase the ARTICHOKES CULTIVATION book on Amazon store for $7. This book contains a step by step guide on how to grow Artichokes . To purchase this book on Amazon you can click the button below.