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 Artichoke
Plants Coming Back to Life
When an artichoke plant dies back,
chances are it is storing up energy for new and stronger
growth...
Oftentimes the Violetto will die back mid
season and then produce new growth. I had a large
Emerald and a large Violetto die back this year. It
was due to transplanting shock. Notice the tiny
artichoke globe and new sage leaf growing on the Violetto
stump? Also see the new growth emerging from the
Emerald. This is actually a sign of a healthy
artichoke plant. Thick sage colored leaves are
produced from mature second season plants and are stronger
than first season plants that have green wide thin leaves.
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HARVESTING
Whether your
artichoke globes grow small or very large, all are sweet and tasty when harvested at the right time.
Harvesting is important, because it helps direct the energy needed to grow
more artichoke globes. If globes are allowed to
flower, future artichokes may grow small in size.
When to Pick Your
Artichoke Globes
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Artichoke are ready for picking and eating with
the leaves are slightly pulled away from the
globe. If allowed to grow on the plant too
long, your artichoke leaves will become tough.
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Your
artichoke globe will grow on the end of a very
long stem. Cut the artichoke at the base
of the stem where it joins the main plant. Be
careful not to accidentally cut off any new
globe growth at the joint! If a new globe
is growing, then cut the stem right above the
area where the new artichoke globe is
developing.
PRUNING
Pruning might be necessary for
trees and bushes, but not always necessary for artichoke
plants. The only parts of the plant that needs
regular pruning are the long stems which grow the
artichoke globes. In cold climates, pruning is
necessary to prepare the plant for winter and to prevent
frost bite.
What to
do when leaves break off?
Mature artichoke
leaves will grow as large as 4 feet long and 2
feet wide. It is common for leaves to
break away from the plant. If the leaves
break off your artichoke plant, leave them on
the ground under your plant as natural mulch.
This will help the soil retain the needed
moisture during the hot summer months.
Watch for snails or any other harmful pests that
might nest under the large artichoke leaves.
Staking
your Artichoke Plant:
Any artichoke variety
can grow large and top-heavy. When your
artichoke plant becomes about 3 feet tall,
secure it with a stake and and staking twine.
Do not use regular twine or string, as this
will cut into the stalk of your artichoke plant.
A large plastic bag or old pantyhose will also
work the help keep your plant upright and
prevent it from breaking.
If your artichoke
plant breaks... Don't worry!
Artichoke plants reproduce by growing new
shoots from the root system. Continue to
care for your artichoke plant and a new plant
will emerge later in the growing season.
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WINTER CARE
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COLD CLIMATES
In cold regions prone to
severe frost and freezing temperatures, trim your
artichoke plant down to a few stems and leaves at
the end of the growing season. Cover with a
heavy layer of mulch.
I Recommend:
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12" of straw
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6" -10" of raw steer
manure
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Cover with a black
plastic tarp and secure the plastic down.
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Do not do this
until the weather gets down to 32°. Be
sure to do this method BEFORE the ground
feezes.
The plant may die back
completely, but it is only dormant. Before
the ground freezes, cover the plant area with about
18" of mulch and then cover with a plastic tarp. The
only plant recommended for severe cold climate
growing is the Imperial Star. However, the
Green Globe, Violetto, and the Canada Star also do
well in cold climates.
Container Growing
Another method for a cold
region, is to plant all artichoke varieties
in a large tree container or wine barrel. You
may also use a large round Rubbermaid tub (the large
kind the kids put their toys in) with holes drilled
at the bottom and rocks placed at the bottom of the
container for drainage. At
the end of the growing season, artichoke plants can
be wintered over indoors safe from freezing solid:
in a greenhouse, in the home, or in a garage. During
the hot season, artichokes planted in containers
lose more water than those planted in the ground and
require additional watering. I also recommend
mulching over the soil surface in container growing.
This will also prevent moisture loss.
MILD
CLIMATES
No pruning is necessary
for winter care in mild climate regions.
Plants that die back will return again in the spring
time. Artichoke plants will stay green
year-round if covered with a tarp during frosts.
Mulching is always a good idea for growing
artichokes in any climate.
HOT CLIMATES
No special care is
needed to prepare artichoke plants for hot climate
winter seasons. The Imperial Star artichoke is
the best artichoke choice for growing in hot desert
climates. In severe hot climates, watering may
be necessary 3 times per day in the hottest season
of the year. Artichokes planted in containers
dry out quickly and require more water than those
planted in the ground. Depending on your
climate, a nursery shade cloth might be necessary to
prevent sunburn.
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