Artichoke
Select Your Climate
Globe artichoke is a herbaceous perennial that makes an easy-care and handsome addition to the patch.
When to plant/sow in zone:
Requirements:
A sunny position; plenty of room to grow; good drainage
Soil:
Enrich soil with plenty of compost and manure. Create mounds for planting if the soil is heavy. Grows well in sandy soil.
How to start: SEED: Sow direct in ground or in punnets in seed-raising mix, 10mm deep. Keep moist. Germinates in 14-21 days. SEEDLING: Plant outside when risk of frost has passed. Space 1-1.5m apart. Water in and mulch with straw.
How to grow: Keep plants well watered during active growth. Mulch with straw between plants. Avoid watering the leaves. Apply seaweed solution or liquid fertiliser fortnightly, and organic fertiliser pellets every two months.
When to harvest: Artichokes take a year or more before flowering. Pick entire flower buds just as bracts start opening.
Troubleshooting:
Aphids; earwigs
Wondering what to plant when?
Use our planner to create a planting calendar for your climate zone
View Planting Guide
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Grow globe artichoke
Globe artichokes make an easy-care and very handsome addition to the patch. Here's how to get them started.