![]() ![]() ![]() Frequently Asked Questions Why didn’t my artichoke plant flower this year? Buds can be stored for 3-5 days under refrigeration. ProductivityĮach flower stalk will produce 3-5 buds and each plant can produce several flower stalks. Divide and replant the root pieces the following spring. In the colder areas of the state, dig up the plants and store them in a cold cellar in moist sand or peat to keep the plant from drying out. Heavy mulching may allow the plant to over-winter in the garden in milder winter areas of Utah. Throw 4-6 inches of soil over the plants, then cover with 8-12 inches of leaves or straw. Fall Plant CareĪfter harvest is completed and the plant has received several frosts, cut back the leaves and mulch the root heavily. Buds not harvested produce attractive purple blooms that can be used as centerpieces or dried and used in flower arrangements. Harvest buds when they reach full size but before the bracts (bud leaves) begin to open. Once the flower buds form, do not water stress the plant. How to Harvest and Store Artichokes HarvestingĪrtichoke harvest begins in late July or early August and continues until frost. Virus cause plants to decline and die and yields to go down.Ĭontrol aphids that transmit the disease. Reduce plant stresses including insects, over watering, over cutting, drought, and weed pressure. Leaf tips turn yellow, new growth stops, and plants eventually dies. Use insecticidal soaps, strong water stream to dislodge the insect, or labeled insecticides.įungal diseases reduce plant vigor. Green sucking insects that stunt leaves and reduce yield and plant vigor. Roots are shallow and damage to the roots slows growth. Mulch artichoke heavily (2-3 inches) with compost or other organic mulches to keep weeds down and hold retain soil moisture. Common Problems with Growing Artichokes WeedsĬontrol weeds in artichoke. Place the fertilizer to the side of the plant and irrigate it into the soil. Apply 2 teaspoons per plant of a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) every 4 weeks beginning 4 weeks after transplanting to encourage sustained and rapid plant growth. FertilizationĪrtichoke requires high amounts of nitrogen fertilizer for best growth and development. Artichoke has a shallow root system, does not tolerate hot, dry conditions and likes moist soils if high productivity is expected. Mulch heavily around the plants with an organic mulch like compost, grass clippings, or straw to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Water frequently during the year by supplying 1 to 2 inches per week in several applications. Maintain healthy vigorous growth during the spring and summer to ensure that artichoke produces for a long time. Water frequently after transplanting to ensure good root and shoot growth. Planting through plastic mulches accelerates early growth and leads to higher yields. Space plants 18 inches apart in the row, with rows 2-3 feet apart. If planted too late, plants do not get the required chilling, therefore, plants will not flower. Artichoke requires cool spring temperatures to initiate the flower stalk. Planting and SpacingĪrtichoke should be planted 3-4 weeks before the frost-free date for your area. Plants require 2-3 months to reach transplantable size. Germinate seeds at 70-75F, then plant in 2-3 inch pots. You may also grow artichoke transplants from seed. Purchase quality plants from local garden centers or seed catalogs if available. Most soils are acceptable provided they are well drained. Large sized plants, many dark green buds with large hearts, do best if plants are maintained for several years.Īrtichoke prefers organic, rich, fertile soils for best growth. Medium sized plants, many dark green buds with small hearts, good disease resistance, excellent as an annual crop. Imperial Star and Green Globe varieties perform well in Utah. Plants are frost and freeze sensitive so they need to be protected if they are to over-winter outdoors. ![]() Harvest artichoke buds when they reach full size but before the bracts open. Control all pests that reduce vigor during the year. Fertilize the plants regularly with nitrogen and keep the soil moist throughout the summer. Plant artichoke 18 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet wide. Start plants in late winter for early spring planting. ![]() Incorporate plenty of organic matter into the area before planting. Artichoke prefers a sunny location and fertile, well drained soils. ![]()
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