Believe it or not, if you plan to grow artichokes from seed this year, it’s time to get them started. They are super slow growers, and need about a 12 week head start before they make their way outside. I have always grown artichokes for the HH, because I am cool and accommodating like that, but it wasn’t until I strolled through Thomas Keller’s French Laundry Garden a couple of years back, that I was able to see them for a strangely beautiful edible flower that they are. The garden had used them as an edible ornamental–and they were spectacular…in a weird, “Feed me, Seymore!” sort of way. Ever since, I have planted them for the look–though, if the HH asks, I am still going to feign great sacrifice.
I usually grow Green & Purple Artichokes. I’ve grown them several times, and found them to be fool-proof {which is a good thing for me}. Even if they weren’t foolproof, since I do like the way they look integrated into the landscaping, I’d probably grow these ones anyway. They have a variance in color {green and purple…duh} that give them an even greater visual appeal.
How to Grow Artichokes from Seed:
If you plan on growing artichokes from seed, they will definitely need to be started indoors. As I already mentioned, start them about 12 weeks BEFORE the average last frost. Fill your planting containers with growing medium and water them well {watering them prior to planting seeds ensures seeds stay in place,and don’t get washed away}. Push 2-3 seeds per container to about 1/4″ deep.
Place the containers under a grow light or in a sunny location. Keep the soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings to one per pot when they are about 1″ tall. When you transplant them outside, space seedlings every 4″-6″. Keep rows at least 2′-4′ apart.
When are Artichokes Ready to Harvest?
Harvest the flower of the artichoke when it has reached full size, but the buds are still closed. To harvest, slice the flower off using a sharp knife, taking 2″-3″ of stem with you as you do.
Random Facts That Will Impress No One:
Women were prohibited from eating artichokes in many countries until around the 16th century, because they were considered an aphrodisiac.
California produces 100% of the United States artichoke crop…which is totally not true if you grow them this year and live outside of California.
An entire medium-sized artichoke globe will only set you back about 47 calories. You get a pretty big bang for your buck on those calories though–they are high in fiber and folic acid.
Now get out there and grow you something,
~Mavis
P.S. For a complete guide on prepping and cooking artichokes, check out The Vegetable Butcher by Cara Mangini. It guides you through the prep of veggies A-Z.
Mel says
I tried growing artichokes last year, but the variety I chose turned out to be incredibly temperamental. Out of maybe 50 seeds, only about 5 made it to transplant, and only one survived. (The seed packet warned not all seedlings would be viable, but goodness.) The one that did survive never got more than 12″ high, so we got no artichokes last year. It’s supposed to be a perennial if pampered properly, so the one surviving plant is currently heavily mulched and in its own personal cloche for the winter. Fingers crossed it survives the impending snowy months and sees fit to produce this year.
Mavis Butterfield says
Oh wow! What state are you in Mel? I have always had great luck with artichokes. Fingers crossed this years growing season is better for you.
Mel says
We’re in Maryland, so zone 7Bish, but with kind of a bizarre microclimate due to the proximity to the water. We had an unusually cold spring last year, but I think the difficulty was partly due to the compostable pots I was using under my lights. I have since switched to plastic for even moisture. And, once it was finally warm enough to set out the seedlings, it was perhaps too hot for them to grow. The lone survivor seems pretty happy in its cloche, and it has so far survived multiple 17 degree days, so I have some hope. If it doesn’t make it, I’ll try a new variety next year!
Kim says
Somewhere I read that artichokes are very invasive. True or false? I was just about to add them this year to our garden, but heard this rumor.
Also, you remain inspiring to me year in and year out. So glad you are feeling better.
A Texas gardener
Tracy says
I live in southern NY and they are a bit tricky to grow here. Like you, I start mine 12 weeks before planting out; about early Feb in my zone 6 area. I grow ‘Imperial’. However, if you want the plants to flower in the first year, they have to be chilled once the seedlings are about 3-4″ tall which fools the plant into thinking it has gone through an entire winter (vernalization) to about 40 degrees for about two weeks, then brought back inside under grow lights at a warmer temperature until planting out. So, that means I start mine inside on a propagation mat until they sprout, then under grow lights until they’re a sturdy 3-4″, then either outside on a very protected covered porch or in my gets-very-cold-but-doesn’t-freeze garage if the porch is too cold, for a few weeks, then back inside under grow lights until I’m ready to plant out. Although my frost free date is the second week of April, I wait until the soil warms a bit more before planting artichokes out. If they hit cold soil, it will set them back a bit. I use three plants per 24″ pot along my front walk. The flowers are stunning; I don’t harvest to eat them, but use them as annual flowers. I underplant the plants with raspberry colored million bells mini-trailing petunias.
sharon says
4-6″ apart seems rather close. Mine turn into big bushes. Is this because of the variety? I live in Auburn, WA
Kristina says
We use them for an ornamental in our front yard, and then eat the flowers! Artichokes are a perennial here in N. Cal (our county is where some of that 100% come from, lol), but even then, it’s best to dig them out and divide the roots every other year or so (probably better every year, but sometimes I forget to do it). They will go woody and die eventually. Very pretty plant. I always let a few go to seed, just to see them flower.
Ellie H says
WoW …. I’m in Central California and we bought 1 Artichoke Plant very small I believe at Kmart about 6-7 Years ago… Crazy but true it survives year round. It survives thru the Freezing Temps. we sometime experience and some years it has it seems all but died. And now still occasional freezing temps at night. It’s still alive and grows the most awesome tasty Artichokes I’ve ever ate. We were told it would take years before we could get any Artichokes but after our first garden we’ve had the most tasty and huge crop. I’ll admit some summers I forget to harvest them and they will bloom into the most beautiful purple flowers I’ve ever seen. Just as I think it will not survive another winter it comes back stronger than ever… I had no idea you could grow them from seeds but I’m so happy. We will be moving and I wanted to try in dig up our plant but I now think I will leave it for the next Homeowners to enjoy. Thank You So Much I’ve followed your blog for idk how many years and am never disappointed in your much appreciated information on everything and will continue to follow you dare I say forever !!! Ps: One year the single Plant had 5 Different roots growing from it. So 5 Diff. Plants a truly amazing Plant to grow…
Loretta says
Where can one get artichoke seeds? Are they found inside the artichoke at all? Also, one person said she didn’t plant from the seed…do you put the artichoke stem in the ground? Sorry, I am a novice at gardening, but would love to grow my own food. Thank you.
Mavis Butterfield says
Botanical Interests and Ed Hume sell artichoke seeds. Artichoke plants can typically be found at nurseries and farmers markets in early spring and usually run 3 for $5 in my experience.