Artichoke Seeds and Divisions – In-season artichoke divisions are readily available at local nurseries for gardeners in central California. These divisions, known as crowns, are identical to the parent plant, so you know precisely what you’re receiving.
- Ensure that divisions are from a trustworthy source and are disease-free.
- Even when obtained from reputable seed providers, artichoke seeds may not always produce the type depicted on the seed packaging.
- This is only a peculiarity of artichokes and their reproduction.
- If you reside in a region where artichokes cannot be grown as perennials, your only alternative may be seeds, which is OK.
Any minor deviation is acceptable.10 to 12 weeks before to the latest frost date in your region, seeds should be sown inside. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting mix. For seeds to germinate, the soil temperature must be between 60 and 80 degrees, hence a heated seed-starting mat can be used to maintain this range.
How long does it take for artichokes to develop from seed?
From Seed – Artichokes may be produced from seed either by putting them directly into the garden soil or by beginning them indoors and transplanting them outside later. Since these veggies might take up to 180 days to mature, you should base your decision on the duration of your growing season.
I advocate direct planting if your growing season, as measured by the average number of frost-free days in your region, is long enough. However, for short-season gardeners like myself, beginning these crops indoors may be the only way to guarantee harvest before the return of winter weather. Prior to planting your seeds, you may stratify them with cold for two weeks to improve germination, whether you are growing your seedlings indoors or outdoors.
Prior to beginning your seeds, wrap them in a moist paper towel, place them in a plastic bag or airtight container, and refrigerate them for two weeks.
Soil, Planting, and Care – In zones where artichokes are perennial, choose a location that will accommodate plants for up to five years. Give plants space to grow, since mature plants may reach 3 to 4 feet in height and 4 feet in width. Artichokes require full sun to moderate shade to flourish.
They also require a soil that is light, rich, and well-drained; sand or loam is perfect. Prepare the soil for in-ground gardening by incorporating 3 inches of aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil into the top 6 inches of native soil. The failure of artichoke plants is caused by summer dryness and winter soil saturation.
Compost enhances the soil’s capacity to hold water in summer and drain water in winter. Additionally, artichokes may thrive in huge pots. Choose a pot or half whiskey barrel with a diameter of 24 inches (measure across the top). The Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose Container Mix provides the perfect growth environment for the roots of potted plants.
Plant artichoke seedlings on the improved soil, leaving a distance of 4 feet between each plant. For optimal outcomes, select robust young In addition to employing high-quality soil and robust plants, you will need to fertilize your plants with premium plant food if you want to achieve an exceptional crop.
How to grow artichokes from seed
Regularly fertilize growing artichokes using Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition Granules, as directed on the product label. This will not only nourish your plants, but also the soil bacteria that assist your artichoke plants in absorbing more nutrients from the soil.
Do artichokes need direct sunlight?
Artichokes require full sun to moderate shade to flourish. They also require a soil that is light, rich, and well-drained; sand or loam is perfect. The failure of artichoke plants is caused by summer dryness and winter soil saturation.
