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| Artichokes ready to harvest |
Artichokes and cardoons look very similar and part of the thistle family. The artichoke is grown for its fruit while the cardoon is grown for its stalk. It is thought that they originated in Sicily. There are writings of the plant for culinary purposes by the Greek and Romans as far back as around 300 BCE. Arabs likely introduced the artichoke to the rest of Europe in the 1400's. The artichoke and cardoon made its way to the States during colonial times.
Artichokes are an annual in the north and a perennial in the south. The hardiest artichoke variety is a perennial down to Zone 6. Cardoons are a perennial down to Zone 7.
Both like the same growing conditions in the garden, requiring deep, rich soil and full sun. It is recommended to purchase plants or start indoors in January, setting out in the garden after danger of frost is past. They do require 10-12 days of temperatures under 50 degrees F to produce buds, which is what you eat on an artichoke plant.
They are easy to start from seed indoors or you can purchase plants. Just sow a few seeds in each 4" pot, 1/4" deep before the crocus bloom. They will germinate in 10-20 days. Soil temperature should be between 65-75 degrees F with a pH between 6.5-7.5 for ideal growing conditions. Garden soil temperature should be at least 45 degrees F when transplanted into the garden. Give each plant a 4' by 4' space to grow as they are large plants, growing 4' tall.
If your plants need dividing after they are well established, divide in the spring.
Artichokes love full sun, fertile and well drained soil. Fertilize when planting. Artichokes prefer mild winters and cool summers. If you live in an area with scorching summers, plant them where they will get some afternoon shade.
Artichokes are ready to harvest about 75 days after transplanting. Each plant will give 3-4 artichokes. The artichoke we see in the store is actually a flower bud. Their flower is a beautiful, thistle like purple. The plant has striking green foliage with a blue tinge. Artichokes need moisture during budding.
Harvest the flower buds before they start opening. You will see that the bottom scales begin to spread and the center scales are still tight. This is the time to pick the buds. Artichokes don't last long in the refrigerator. Ideal storage conditions are 36 degrees F, 100% humidity.
Cardoon stems can be harvested 60 days from transplanting. You can also enjoy the flowers of this plant since you are not eating its flower buds! The taste of the stalks is similar to artichoke hearts.
In the fall before a hard frost, cut the plants 8-10" above the ground and mulch well with straw. It is the crown of the plant that you want to keep from freezing.
Aphids like both plants. You can use neem or pyrethrin spray to control the aphids if they become a problem. Do not spray when bees are present.
Artichokes and cardoons are susceptible to powdery mildew, molds and crown rot. This is why it's important to put them in well drained soil. Also do not water from overhead. Use a soaker hose or water around the base of the plant.
Both produce well for 5-7 years. When they begin to lag, it is time to start new plants.
Both like the same growing conditions in the garden, requiring deep, rich soil and full sun. It is recommended to purchase plants or start indoors in January, setting out in the garden after danger of frost is past. They do require 10-12 days of temperatures under 50 degrees F to produce buds, which is what you eat on an artichoke plant.
They are easy to start from seed indoors or you can purchase plants. Just sow a few seeds in each 4" pot, 1/4" deep before the crocus bloom. They will germinate in 10-20 days. Soil temperature should be between 65-75 degrees F with a pH between 6.5-7.5 for ideal growing conditions. Garden soil temperature should be at least 45 degrees F when transplanted into the garden. Give each plant a 4' by 4' space to grow as they are large plants, growing 4' tall.
If your plants need dividing after they are well established, divide in the spring.
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| Artichoke plant at maturity |
Artichokes are ready to harvest about 75 days after transplanting. Each plant will give 3-4 artichokes. The artichoke we see in the store is actually a flower bud. Their flower is a beautiful, thistle like purple. The plant has striking green foliage with a blue tinge. Artichokes need moisture during budding.
Harvest the flower buds before they start opening. You will see that the bottom scales begin to spread and the center scales are still tight. This is the time to pick the buds. Artichokes don't last long in the refrigerator. Ideal storage conditions are 36 degrees F, 100% humidity.
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| Artichoke bud beginning to open |
Cardoon stems can be harvested 60 days from transplanting. You can also enjoy the flowers of this plant since you are not eating its flower buds! The taste of the stalks is similar to artichoke hearts.
In the fall before a hard frost, cut the plants 8-10" above the ground and mulch well with straw. It is the crown of the plant that you want to keep from freezing.
Aphids like both plants. You can use neem or pyrethrin spray to control the aphids if they become a problem. Do not spray when bees are present.
Artichokes and cardoons are susceptible to powdery mildew, molds and crown rot. This is why it's important to put them in well drained soil. Also do not water from overhead. Use a soaker hose or water around the base of the plant.
Both produce well for 5-7 years. When they begin to lag, it is time to start new plants.
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