Artichokes are perennials in mild climates so this plant is a perfect candidate for containers. However, this heirloom variety is bred specifically for annual production so it will produce well developed artichokes in the first year from seed. Perfect for Ohio weather! The plants become 1.5-3 ft tall and produce 1-2 primary buds each. The primary flower buds become the artichoke vegetable we all know and love, but only if you harvest them before they open up to flower. Our favorite use for these is spinach artichoke dip!
Planting/Harvesting Notes
- Plant in very fertile, well drained soil
- Transplant 2-3 ft apart
- Harvest 80-85 days from transplantation
- Watch plant as flower buds begin to form on stalks. Be sure to check daily and cut bud before flower opens up. Flower bud will become stringy, fiberous, and inedible after the bud opens.
- Harvest by cutting 1-3in from the base of the bud with a knife when 3-4 in wide.After the initial buds are harvested, the plant will send up smaller buds between 1-3 inchs wide that can be harvested as well.
- You may grow in a large container to overwinter and harvest the following year. Artichoke plants can live up to 5 years. They must be exposed to at least 10 days of 45-50F temperatures in order to form flower buds. So be sure to put the plants out in these conditions to induce budding the following year.