Growing Globe Artichokes in Mild Winters

The Allure of the Globe Artichoke

The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a striking perennial vegetable that adds both culinary delight and architectural beauty to the garden. Known for its edible flower buds, which are harvested before they open to reveal their vibrant purple florets, the artichoke is a rewarding plant to cultivate. While often associated with Mediterranean climates, its adaptability means that with the right approach, gardeners in mild winter regions can successfully grow these magnificent plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest. This guide delves into the specifics of growing globe artichokes, with a particular focus on their successful cultivation in areas experiencing mild winters.

Understanding Globe Artichokes and Their Climate Needs

Globe artichokes are members of the thistle family, a testament to their hardy nature. They are typically grown as perennials, meaning they establish themselves and produce for several years, though their productivity can wane after about five years. Their ideal climate is one with mild winters and warm, dry summers, which allows the plants to establish and the buds to develop optimally.

Mild winter climates, characterized by infrequent frosts and average temperatures that rarely dip significantly below freezing, are surprisingly well-suited for globe artichokes. In these regions, the plants can often overwinter without significant protection, allowing them to focus their energy on growth and bud production in the following season. However, it’s crucial to understand that even in mild climates, occasional hard frosts can still pose a threat, requiring some preventative measures.

Key Facts for Growing Globe Artichokes

To set yourself up for success, understanding some fundamental facts about globe artichoke cultivation is essential.

Choosing the Right Variety for Your Mild Winter Garden

While many globe artichoke varieties exist, some are particularly well-suited for mild winter climates due to their hardiness and bud production characteristics.

Popular Varieties for Mild Winters:

• ‘Imperial Star’: This is a popular choice for many gardeners due to its early maturity and good yield. It’s known for producing multiple medium-sized buds.
• ‘Green Globe’: A classic and reliable variety, ‘Green Globe’ is widely adapted and known for its large, tender buds. It’s a vigorous grower and can produce well for several years.
• ‘Colorado Star’: Developed for higher altitudes but also performs well in milder climates, ‘Colorado Star’ is noted for its consistent production of large, well-formed buds.
• ‘Violetta’: If you’re looking for a splash of color, ‘Violetta’ offers attractive purple-tinged buds. It’s a flavorful variety that thrives in warmer conditions.

Starting Your Globe Artichoke Plants

There are several methods to start globe artichoke plants, each with its own advantages.

Starting from Seed

Starting artichokes from seed is a cost-effective option, but it requires patience as they can take longer to mature.

1. Timing: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date.
2. Sowing: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in seed-starting mix.
3. Conditions: Provide warmth (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) and keep the soil consistently moist.
4. Germination: Germination can be erratic, sometimes taking 10-20 days.
5. Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week to prevent transplant shock.

Starting from Divisions or Crowns

This is often the preferred method for experienced gardeners or those seeking quicker results. Artichoke crowns are essentially the root system of mature plants.

1. Source: Purchase dormant crowns from reputable nurseries or garden centers. You can also divide existing plants in late winter or early spring.
2. Planting Crowns: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root system. Plant the crown with the growing points (buds) facing upwards, about 2-4 inches below the soil surface.
3. Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing of 3-4 feet between plants to allow for their mature size.

Starting from Transplants

Purchasing young artichoke plants from a nursery is a convenient way to get started.

1. Selection: Choose healthy, vigorous plants with good foliage.
2. Planting: Follow similar planting depth and spacing guidelines as for crowns.

Planting Globe Artichokes in Your Garden

Proper planting is crucial for the long-term health and productivity of your artichoke plants.

Site Selection

Artichokes thrive in conditions that mimic their native Mediterranean habitat.

• Sunlight: Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: Prepare a planting bed with well-drained, fertile soil. Incorporate generous amounts of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.
• Wind Protection: While they are relatively sturdy, young plants can benefit from some protection from strong winds, which can damage their large leaves.

Soil Preparation

Artichokes are hungry plants and appreciate nutrient-rich soil.

• Drainage: This is paramount. Artichokes loathe soggy feet, which can lead to root rot. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with coarse sand or perlite, or planting in raised beds.
• Fertility: Before planting, mix in a good amount of compost or aged manure. This will provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure.
• pH: Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can test your soil and amend it if necessary.

Planting Technique

Follow these steps for optimal planting:

1. Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your transplant or crown.
2. Positioning: Place the plant in the hole so that the crown or the base of the stem is at soil level. For crowns, ensure the growing points are facing upwards.
3. Backfilling: Gently backfill the hole with the prepared soil, firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
5. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch (such as straw, compost, or wood chips) around the base of the plant, keeping it a few inches away from the stem. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Caring for Globe Artichokes in Mild Winters

Consistent care is key to ensuring your artichoke plants flourish throughout the growing season, especially in climates with milder winters.

Watering

Artichokes require consistent moisture, particularly during their active growth and bud development stages.

• Regularity: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Deep Watering: Encourage deep root growth by watering thoroughly rather than frequent shallow sprinklings.
• Check Soil Moisture: Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Mulch’s Role: The mulch layer will significantly help in retaining soil moisture, reducing the frequency of watering needed.

Fertilizing

As heavy feeders, artichokes benefit from regular feeding.

• Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears.
• Mid-Season Feeding: A second feeding in mid-summer, after the main harvest, can help support continued growth and prepare the plant for overwintering.
• Organic Options: Compost tea or a top dressing of compost can also provide beneficial nutrients.

Weeding

Weeds compete with artichokes for water, nutrients, and sunlight.

• Regular Removal: Keep the area around your artichoke plants free of weeds.
• Mulch Advantage: A thick layer of mulch is highly effective in suppressing weeds.
• Careful Cultivation: When weeding, be careful not to damage the shallow root system of the artichoke plants.

Pruning and Tidying

Regular pruning can improve air circulation and encourage stronger growth.

• Remove Dead Foliage: In early spring, before new growth emerges, remove any dead or damaged leaves from the previous year.
• Deadheading: Once a bud has been harvested, you can prune the stalk back to the main plant. Some gardeners also prune away spent flower stalks to encourage the plant to put energy into producing more buds.

Overwintering Protection in Mild Winters

While mild winters are generally favorable, providing some basic protection can still be beneficial.

The Importance of Mulch

A substantial layer of organic mulch is your first line of defense.

• Insulation: Apply a thick layer (4-6 inches) of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around the base of the plant after the ground has begun to cool down in late autumn.
• Moisture Retention: It also helps retain soil moisture, which can be beneficial during dry winter spells.
• Weed Suppression: Continue to suppress weed growth even during the dormant season.

Ventilation

Ensuring good air circulation is important, even in winter.

• Pruning: Remove any diseased or overcrowded stems in late fall to improve air flow.
• Avoid Over-Mulching the Crown: While mulching the base is good, avoid piling mulch directly on top of the crown itself, as this can trap moisture and lead to rot.

Temporary Covers (If Needed)

In the event of an unexpected severe frost warning, temporary protection can be employed.

• Materials: Use horticultural fleece, frost cloth, or even old blankets draped over the plants.
• Support: Ensure the cover does not directly touch the foliage if possible, by using stakes or cages to create a space.
• Removal: Remove covers as soon as the frost danger has passed to prevent overheating and disease.

Harvesting Globe Artichokes

The anticipation builds as your plants mature and begin to produce buds.

When to Harvest

Timing is crucial for the best flavor and texture.

• Bud Size: Harvest buds when they are firm and have tightly closed petals. The size can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions, but a typical harvest size is around 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Tender Heart: The key indicator is the tightly closed outer bracts. Once these begin to loosen or unfurl, the bud is past its prime for eating the whole bud and is starting to bloom.

How to Harvest

A clean cut is essential for encouraging further bud production.

1. The Cut: Using a sharp knife or secateurs, cut the stem about 1 to 1.5 inches below the base of the bud.
2. Secondary Buds: Many varieties produce smaller “side shoots” or secondary buds on the stalks after the main bud is removed. Harvest these as well.
3. Stalk Pruning: After harvesting, you can prune the stalk back to the main plant. This encourages the plant to send up new shoots and produce more buds.

Post-Harvest Care

Continue to care for your plants after the main harvest.

• Watering and Fertilizing: Maintain consistent watering and consider a light feeding to support continued growth and bud development into fall.
• Pest and Disease Monitoring: Keep an eye out for common artichoke pests and diseases.

Common Pests and Diseases

While generally hardy, artichokes can be susceptible to a few common issues.

Pests

• Aphids: These small sap-sucking insects can cluster on new growth and buds. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can often control them.
• Artichoke Plume Moth: The larvae of this moth can tunnel into the buds. Early detection and removal of infested buds are key.
• Slugs and Snails: These can damage leaves and young buds, especially in moist conditions. Barriers or slug baits can be effective.

Diseases

• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as white, powdery patches on leaves and stems, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Improving air flow through pruning and avoiding overhead watering can help.
• Root Rot: Caused by poor drainage and overwatering, this is a serious issue. Ensuring well-drained soil is the best preventative measure.

Pros and Cons of Growing Globe Artichokes in Mild Winters

Here’s a summary of the advantages and potential challenges.

Conclusion: A Rewarding Endeavor

Growing globe artichokes in mild winter climates is a truly rewarding gardening experience. Their unique beauty, coupled with the delectable reward of fresh, home-grown buds, makes the effort worthwhile. By selecting the right varieties, preparing your soil diligently, and providing consistent care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest from these magnificent plants for years to come. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate this culinary gem and transform your garden into a source of both beauty and exceptional flavor.