Growing artichokes in your perennial vegetable garden requires some work upfront, but you are guaranteed to enjoy artichokes for many years to come. Artichokes are delicious and a perennial which makes them a great addition to your vegetable garden.
Artichokes are tasty perennial vegetables. The flower bud of the plant is eaten before it opens. This perennial vegetable grows about 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has long tough leaves and can only be grown in climates that have at least 100 growing days without frost.
When growing artichokes in your vegetable garden they should be planted on the last day of frost in your area. If you are planting divisions they can be planted a week or so earlier than the last frost date. The best temperature for soil when planting artichokes is over 50 degrees ferinheight and below 85 degrees ferinheight.
Artichokes require full sun and rich soil that drains well. Before planting these perennials it is important to add compost to the soil to promote healthy growth. When growing artichokes from shoots or seeds they should be planted at least 3 feet apart, and the rows should be separated by 6 feet as well. Artichokes prefer for soil to dry out before the next watering. Artichokes will grow very large so the entire soil area designated for this perennial vegetable should be fixed with compost before planting. This vegetable should receive compost applications in the spring and fall.
Artichoke will provide the largest bounty the second year of growth, and it will reproduce for 3 or 4 years. Using divisions, shoots, and suckers to keep your artichokes growing in your vegetable garden is recommended. This perennial vegetable should be cut back and covered in the winter if climates are colder. Adding mulch or straw is also recommended.
When harvesting artichokes you must wait for the second year. The blooms should be cut when they are bigger than a lemon and still tender. Cut the stem about an inch below the bloom. A healthy artichoke plant produces over 24 artichokes every growing season. They can be harvested from spring to fall. This delicious perennial can be cooked, canned, frozen, and pickled.
Artichokes are popular vegetables that can be grown in your perennial garden. Single artichoke plants will grow large enough to produce many artichokes. Try growing this delicious perennial vegetable in your garden and you will be graced with many artichokes for the years to come.
