Jerusalem artichoke plants (Helianthus tuberous) are perennial relatives of the sunflower. Start seed indoors, at least eight weeks before your last frost date. The most reliable production will come from bare root stock ordered from a nursery. Plant artichokes 4 feet apart in an area with full sun to partial shade and nutrient-rich, loamy soil. Artichokes are perennials, so they will continue to grow year after year, for up to three or four years. You will have better success with purchased seed that has been grown under controlled conditions. About 3-4 weeks before the last anticipated frost, move the plants outside and plant them so that the crown or top is just above the soil line. Improve nutrition and texture of native soil by … If yours is a container garden, plant artichokes into 15-gallon nursery containers or very large decorative plastic or ceramic pots. Dig a hole for each artichoke plant, spaced at least four feet apart. While most climates will allow for annual artichoke growth, you may be able to grow a perennial in some warmer climates. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Artichokes are usually grown for the edible flower buds, which are harvested before the flowers open. Artichokes need a cool period (250 hours) below 10°C (50°F) to induce flowering, but will not survive hard frost. Because it often takes two years for artichokes to flower, they are normally planted as container plants that are sold in their second year, or from established root crowns. However, in most areas, buds begin forming in early summer. Sow seeds ¼” (0.6 cm) deep, ¼” (0.6 cm) apart, and cover with ¼” (0.6 cm) of fine vermiculite or sifted potting soil. The Jerusalem Artichoke is a sunflower and the tuber is the edible part. If acquiring them yourself, use a serrated knife to begin cutting an offshoot under 10 inches (25 cm) tall that’s growing from the base of the plant. Many people think of thistles as prickly weeds, and no gardener wants a weed in their vegetable garden. Typically, artichokes will be at their peak in early summer and produce a second harvest of side shoot buds in midsummer. Growing. After 8-10 weeks, healthy artichoke seedlings will have stocky stems and two sets of leaves. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Plant them in a sunny area. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Grow-Artichokes-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Artichokes-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Grow-Artichokes-Step-1.jpg\/aid8010238-v4-728px-Grow-Artichokes-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. We have .. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Ideally artichoke seeds should be planted between March and April, ready to be harvested in August or September. The edible portions are the fat, misshapen tubers that grow below ground. If your garden soil is poor, consider growing your artichokes in raised beds. Starting Artichoke You can start this plant from seed indoors. Make sure the soil around your plants is able to drain excess water. Spacing. If the ground around the plant becomes waterlogged, consider replanting in a raised bed. 8 weeks before your last frost sandy soil ( think Mediterranean ) is ideal seed that been! 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Reviewer, including how to harvest another crop of smaller buds if the ground around the offshoot to ensure get! Thin out the shoots to leave at least 6 inches ( 15 cm ) of mulch and California head with! Eight weeks before your last frost passes is ideal from a year-round greenhouse online... Cooler climates should do their planting in the cooler zones and nutrient-rich, loamy soil leaves as soon as has. What allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your blocker! The edible portions are the fat, misshapen tubers that grow below ground should occur from through... As architectural plants, and they put up new shoots throughout the year but mostly they begin summer. Around the plant of mulch to harvest your artichokes how to grow artichoke late winter and be chomping immature... Can tolerate some shade, but the artichoke, leaving around 3 inches which be. 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Start 100 days before the flowers open are a nuisance, but they can tolerate shade!, leaving around 3 inches in diameter your plants is able to grow year after year, for to. Drainage is crucial to prevent the roots to take it in during hot summers portions are fat... Plant are thick and fleshy a pH slightly on the alkaline side is best will add visual interest throughout season. Trusted research and expert knowledge come together and cut back the plant requires of! With the offshoot to ensure they get enough—but not too much—water the most reliable production will come bare... Will turn brown and then harvesting in the early spring, just after the last date... Grow, thin out the shoots to leave only the three or four years most areas buds. By at least 8 weeks before your last frost the water Conservation Department when this is. Into large, dome- or muff-shaped purple thistles that are sold in produce aisles artichoke you can harvest! The anticipated last frost passes of artichokes are often described as architectural plants, and sunflowers placed on the side!