Top Tips on How to Grow Artichokes
If you have ever eaten artichokes, you know how delicious they are so instead of depending on good stock at the local grocery store we thought we would show you how to grow artichokes at home so you can enjoy them whenever wanted. Typically, artichokes are among the more expensive type of vegetable but if you were to grow them on your own, you save money while producing a much more flavorful product.
Although not complicated, the key to learning how to grow artichokes is to use the appropriate technique for the climate where you live. The greatest benefit to growing this vegetable at home is that with a few simple rules, artichokes can be grown successfully anywhere in the country. However, the only state where artichokes do not grow well is in Florida due to the high level of heat and humidity. Again, you can grow this vegetable virtually anywhere but the perfect conditions would be in regions that have moist and cool summers, as well as mild winters.
The first thing we wanted to mention is that each year, the crop would multiply. Therefore, when harvested, the vegetables would be separated and used for additional or new growing, or giving away to family and friends so they too can grow this vegetable. However, if you live in a part of the country that has a cooler climate than you would find in the growing Zone 8, rather than separate artichokes from the previous year’s harvest, you should simply plant new artichokes every year. The reason is that in colder weather, the roots become damaged.
Next, regarding how to grow artichokes you would need to decide how you want to get started. For instance, you could use artichoke seeds, plant dormant plants, or use shoots you would take from plants already grown. All three options work but if you decide to start with seeds, it would be important for them to be grown under grow or fluorescent lights. In this case, we suggest you begin with the seeds in February, placing them in a four-inch container with good soil.
The next step for how to grow artichokes from seedlings is to make sure they are provided with adequate nutrition, such as being fertilized with fish emulsion. About ten weeks after fertilizing the plants, they would be transported to their outdoor growing area but make sure all risk of frost has passed. If you are unsure if the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, a good rule is that once they reach between eight and ten inches, they can go outside. However, be sure the stems are stocky and that two sets of true leaves exist. When you place the seedlings in the ground, you will need to keep a four-foot space between each plant in that artichokes require a lot of room.
Going back to nutritional needs when learning how to grow artichokes, remember that these vegetables require more food than most other vegetables do. Therefore, once in the ground work one cup of organic fertilizer or several cups of compost into the soil. Other nutrients that would help the plants grow strong and healthy would be blood meal, feather meal, bone meal, or chicken manure. Finally, as a part of learning how to grow artichokes, it is important to know that this vegetable needs lots of water. While you want good drainage for the garden, you also want to water deep so the roots are getting moisture needed.
The great thing about learning how to grow artichokes is that when you follow these steps, you would end up with a delicious and tender vegetable unlike anything you have ever consumed before. Additionally, during the growing period prior to harvest, artichokes produce a beautiful lavender flower on the top so you have a gorgeous garden to enjoy while growing and then delicious food when ready the crop matures.