Emerald Globe

Italian Violetto

Italian Romanesco

Hardy Imperial Star

Introducing the Cardoon Artichoke

Deep Fried Artichokes!  Think about it?  If you could enjoy the same artichoke taste without the messy leaves and thorns and have twice as much to enjoy it would be like artichoke heaven!  I can't wait for this summer, because I am going to prepare these deep fried.  The Cardoon is a tender perennial. It looks like a cross between burdock and celery. It is grown for its young leaf-stalks which are blanched and eaten like celery. Cardoon has heavy, gray-green, fuzzy leaves that are deeply cut leaves and a heavy, bristled flower head. Grows 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. ► Advance order now for April!

Garlic Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Artichokes
1 medium to large artichoke globe
1 medium size lemon
2 large bell peppers
½ large whole garlic
5-6 slices bacon (regular, low sodium, or turkey)

For Hot Climates the best artichokes to grow are: 
Green Globe, Emerald Globe, and Imperial Star. Romanesco, Violetto, and Canada Star will grow in hot climates, but need extra care from the hot sun when they are in their first season of growth.

For Cold Climates the best artichokes to grow are: Imperial Star, Canada Star, Romanesco, and Violetto.

ARTICHOKES YOU CAN GROW
You can grow artichoke plants in nearly any climate:  Learn some myths about growing artichoke plants.

  Method 1.   Straw and Raw Steer or Chicken Manure

1.  After the artichoke has gone dormant and the leaves have died back, cover with 12” inches of straw.
2.  Cover with 12” inches of raw manure. The manure will keep the straw warm with its natural bacteria.
3.  Cover with a black plastic tarp.
4.  Secure the edges of the plastic down with something heavy (like bricks or rocks) so it will not blow away.

I have a friend in Ohio. His name is Luke. Luke grows banana trees successfully and they come back each year. They are not any special variety. Luke lays down small Christmas tree lights right under the soil surface to keep the base of his banana trees warm. His plants also come back each year.

  Method 3.  Plastic-Bag-It  This is how they do it in Italy…

1.  Plant your artichoke in light fluffy potting soil. This will make it easy to work with your plant after it goes dormant.
2.  After it goes completely dormant and before the ground freezes, scoop up the artichoke roots.
3.  Place the root ball in a black plastic bag of potting soil and close the bag.
4.  Place the bag in a cool environment that is free from freezing weather (such as a garage or basement). The temperature should not go below 35°F.
5.  In the springtime when there is no more threat of snow or freezing, prepare the garden bed and plant your artichoke for the new season.
 

  Aphids and Artichokes

Fertilizing and Weather
Over fertilization in slow growth months also attract aphids. Aphids are often worse in the cool months and less severe in the summer months. Ants protect aphids from their natural enemies. So if you have a large population of aphids there is most likely a nest of ants close by. Trim back leaves that are severely infected and discard into a sealed plastic bag. Although they can cause leaf cure, aphids rarely kill plants and can simply be washed off with water. However, from my experience – washed aphids simply jump right back on valued plants. When there is a large number of aphids, they can be eliminated with... ((Read More))

Do I need a lot of space to grow an artichoke plant?
Artichoke plants can be grown straight in the ground or in a nursery container, a tree container, or whiskey barrel.  They are a little like fish... the larger the container, the larger they will grow! View my blog for more helpful planting info!

Planting with Bananas?
It's not as weird as you might think!  Artichoke plants thrive on the potassium.  When you are ready to plant your new artichoke, throw an old banana at the bottom of the hole.  You will be amazed by the results!  My fans swear by it too.
 

Fertilizing Your Artichoke Plants
When you first receive your artichoke plant, DO NOT fertilize for 7-10 days, as to give your plant time to acclimate. To help your plant adjust, mix Miracle Grow Quick Start with water and apply to your plant.  This will stimulates root growth and helps to prevent transplant shock.  During late winter and early spring, plant in the ground when there is no threat of frost. For best results, use Miracle Grow Moisture Control potting soil.