Artichoke
How do I sow artichokes under cover?
To sow artichokes under cover, we recommend doing so in spring, around 8 to 10 weeks before planting. Use individual pots or mini greenhouses to facilitate germination. Fill the containers with good quality, light, well-draining potting soil.
Drop 2 to 3 artichoke seeds per pot to a depth of around 1 cm. Maintain a constant temperature of 18 to 21°C to encourage germination. Make sure the soil remains slightly moist, but not soggy.
Once the seedlings have reached a few centimetres in height, transplant them into larger individual pots to encourage their development. This will also help to avoid any risk of smothering the seedlings.
Place your artichoke plants under cover until the frosts are over. Prepare the soil beforehand by decompacting it and adding compost to enrich the soil. By following these simple tips, you'll soon be able to enjoy delicious artichokes in your garden.
How do I plant artichokes?
To grow artichokes in the ground, it's important to choose a sunny spot sheltered from the wind. Prepare the soil by working it deeply and adding organic compost to improve fertility. Artichokes prefer well-drained soil, so make sure it doesn't hold stagnant water.
It is advisable to plant artichoke plants in spring, after any risk of frost. Allow about 1 metre of space between each plant. When transplanting plants that have already started, take care to handle them carefully so as not to damage the roots.
Water regularly.
Water artichoke plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid chemical fertilisers and opt for natural solutions such as nettle purin to fertilise your plants. Remove the flowers as soon as they start to form to encourage the development of artichoke hearts.
How do I harvest artichokes?
To harvest artichokes, it's best to wait until the heads reach a sufficient size, usually between 10 and 15 cm in diameter. Harvesting is done by cutting the stems just below the flower heads using a sharp knife. It is advisable to harvest artichokes before they start to flower, as they will then be more tender and flavoursome.
Artichokes can be stored in the fridge wrapped in a damp tea towel for a few days. For longer storage, they can be frozen after blanching for a few minutes in boiling water. They will then keep for several months.
Artichoke
- Type : Perennial vegetables
- Subtype : Fruiting vegetables
- Botanical Family : Asteraceae (composites)
Characteristics
- Lifecycle : Perennial
- Exposure : Full Sun
- Frost Hardiness : Slightly Frost Sensitive
- Cultivation Difficulty : Medium
- Adult Height : 150 cm
Sowing & Planting
- Greenhouse Growing : Not Required
- Plant Spacing : 80 cm
- Row Spacing : 100 cm
Maintenance
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Water Requirements : High
Seeds
- Soil Type : Humus-rich
- Soil pH Preference : Neutral
- Pest Sensitivity : Moderate
- Disease Sensitivity : Moderate
- Weed Sensitivity : Moderate
- Pollination : Insect-pollinated
- Propagation : Division