How to Grow Globe Artichokes in Your First Year

Growing your own globe artichokes can be an incredibly rewarding experience, transforming your garden into a source of both beauty and delicious, unique produce. Often perceived as a challenging plant, globe artichokes are surprisingly manageable for novice gardeners, especially when focusing on achieving a successful first year of growth and, hopefully, a modest harvest. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate these architectural wonders from the moment you decide to plant them, ensuring a thriving start and setting you up for future success.

Understanding Globe Artichokes

Before diving into the practicalities, it’s helpful to understand what a globe artichoke is and what it needs. Globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are perennial thistles, prized for their edible flower buds, which we harvest before they fully bloom. They are native to the Mediterranean region, meaning they thrive in sunny, warm climates but are also surprisingly cold-hardy once established.

The plant itself is a magnificent specimen, often growing to 3-6 feet in height and width. It boasts large, deeply lobed, silvery-green leaves and, in its second year and beyond, produces the iconic edible flower buds. While the primary harvest typically occurs in the second year, many varieties can produce smaller, secondary buds in their first year with optimal conditions.

Choosing the Right Variety and Starting Method

The success of your first year with globe artichokes begins with selecting the right variety and the most suitable starting method for your climate and gardening experience.

Popular Globe Artichoke Varieties for Beginners

Several varieties are well-suited for beginners and generally perform well in their first year.

• ‘Imperial Star’: This hybrid variety is specifically bred for earlier maturity and often produces a good harvest in the first year. It’s a reliable choice for many climates.
• ‘Green Globe’: A classic and widely available variety, ‘Green Globe’ is known for its robust nature and good production in the second year, but can offer some smaller buds in the first.
• ‘Violetto’: While many artichokes are green, ‘Violetto’ produces beautiful purple-tinged buds, offering both culinary and ornamental appeal. It can also be productive in its first year.

Starting from Seed vs. Potted Plants

You have two primary methods for acquiring globe artichokes: starting from seed or purchasing potted plants.

• From Seed: This is the more economical option and offers a wider variety of choices. However, artichoke seeds can have variable germination rates, and starting from seed means a longer lead time, often requiring starting indoors several weeks before the last frost. For first-year success, starting seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost is recommended.
• From Potted Plants: Purchasing young plants from a reputable nursery is the easiest and often most successful way to get started, especially for a first-year harvest. It bypasses the germination stage and gives you a head start. Look for healthy, vigorous plants with no signs of disease or yellowing leaves.

Site Selection and Preparation

The environment you provide for your globe artichoke plants is crucial for their health and productivity, particularly in their formative first year.

Sunlight Requirements

Globe artichokes are sun-worshippers. They require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sun they receive, the healthier the plant will be, and the more likely it is to produce buds in its first year. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden, away from any overhanging trees or structures that could cast shade.

Soil Needs

Artichokes prefer well-draining, fertile soil. They are heavy feeders and benefit from soil rich in organic matter.

• Drainage: Poor drainage is a common killer of artichokes, as their roots can rot in waterlogged soil. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it generously with compost, aged manure, or other organic matter to improve aeration and drainage. Raised beds are also an excellent option for ensuring good drainage.
• pH Level: Globe artichokes prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. A soil test can help you determine your current pH and make necessary adjustments by adding lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it.
• Fertility: Incorporate a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure into the planting area before planting. This will provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure.

Spacing

Globe artichokes are large plants and need ample space to spread. Proper spacing promotes good air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases, and ensures each plant has enough resources.

• Plant globe artichoke plants or seeds at least 3-4 feet apart in all directions.
• If planting in rows, aim for 4-5 feet between rows.

Planting Your Globe Artichokes

Once your site is prepared and you have your plants or seeds, it’s time to get them in the ground.

When to Plant

The timing of planting is critical for a successful first year.

• Cool Climates: Plant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, and the soil has warmed up. If starting from seed indoors, transplant seedlings after the last frost.
• Warm Climates: Artichokes can be planted in the fall for a winter/spring harvest in milder climates.

Planting Seedlings

When planting young plants from pots:

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the plant’s root ball.
2. Gently remove the plant from its pot. If the roots are tightly bound (root-bound), gently loosen them with your fingers or a clean knife.
3. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill the hole with the soil you removed, mixing in some compost if desired.
5. Water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
6. Mulch around the base of the plant, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the stem.

Sowing Seeds

If starting from seed directly in the ground (less common for first-year harvest focus):

1. Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart in the prepared soil.
2. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
3. Once seedlings emerge and have a few true leaves, thin them to the strongest plant every 3-4 feet.

Care and Maintenance for First-Year Growth

Consistent care is key to encouraging robust growth and potentially a first-year harvest.

Watering

Globe artichokes are thirsty plants, especially during warm, dry weather.

• Water deeply and consistently, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week.
• Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases.
• Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but never let it become completely parched.

Fertilizing

Artichokes are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization.

• Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring as new growth appears.
• Side-dress with compost or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season.
• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower bud production.

Weeding

Weeds compete with your artichoke plants for water, nutrients, and sunlight.

• Keep the area around your artichokes free of weeds.
• Mulching is an excellent way to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Mulching

A thick layer of mulch around your artichoke plants offers numerous benefits.

• Moisture Retention: Helps the soil retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Weed Suppression: Smothers weeds, preventing them from competing with your plants.
• Temperature Regulation: Keeps the soil cooler in summer and warmer in winter, protecting the roots.
• Soil Improvement: Organic mulches, like straw or compost, will break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil.
• Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (straw, shredded bark, compost) around the base of each plant, keeping it a few inches away from the main stem.

First-Year Harvest: What to Expect

While the primary harvest of globe artichokes typically occurs in the second year, it is possible to get a modest yield in the first year if the plants are healthy and conditions are favorable.

When to Harvest

Harvest artichoke buds when they are still tight and firm.

• The main bud at the tip of the plant is usually the largest.
• Harvest when the bracts (the leaf-like structures) are beginning to loosen slightly but before they start to open.
• Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem about 1-2 inches below the bud.
• If harvesting for the first time, or if plants are young, you may want to leave the first few buds to mature to assess plant vigor.

First-Year Harvest Tips

• Don’t be discouraged if your first-year harvest is small. The plant is focusing its energy on establishing a strong root system.
• Even smaller, secondary buds that form along the sides of the main stalk can be harvested.
• If you get a significant number of buds in the first year, consider removing some to encourage stronger growth for the following season.

Overwintering for Future Success

Proper overwintering is crucial for ensuring your globe artichoke plants survive their first winter and thrive in subsequent years.

In Milder Climates (Zone 7 and warmer)

Artichokes are relatively hardy in these regions.

1. After the first frost, cut back the dead foliage to about 6-8 inches from the ground.
2. Mound a thick layer of compost or straw around the base of the plant. This acts as insulation for the crown and roots.
3. You can also cover the entire plant with a thick layer of straw or burlap if temperatures are expected to drop significantly.

In Colder Climates (Zone 6 and colder)

More protection is needed in these areas.

1. Wait until after the first hard frost.
2. Cut back the dead foliage to about 6 inches from the ground.
3. Mound at least 10-12 inches of straw, leaves, or compost around the base of the plant, covering the crown.
4. For extra protection, you can drive stakes around the plant and drape burlap or frost cloth over them, creating a protective dome filled with straw.
5. Remove the protective covering gradually in early spring as the danger of hard frost passes.

Key Facts for First-Year Globe Artichoke Growers

Here’s a quick reference for the essential information to keep in mind.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

Even with the best intentions, you might encounter a few issues.

Pests

Globe artichokes can attract various pests.

• Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth. Blast them off with a strong jet of water, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Slugs and Snails: These can damage young plants. Use slug bait, copper tape around the base of plants, or handpick them in the early morning or evening.
• Artichoke Plume Moth: The larvae can bore into the buds. Remove and destroy affected buds, and consider row covers early in the season.

Diseases

Good gardening practices help prevent most common diseases.

• Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery substance on leaves. Ensure good air circulation, water at the base, and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves.
• Root Rot: Caused by poor drainage. Ensure your soil drains well and avoid overwatering.

Key Steps and Considerations for First Year Success

A summary of actions to take for optimal first-year results.

Conclusion: Your Artichoke Journey Begins

Growing globe artichokes in your first year is an achievable and deeply satisfying goal. By focusing on the foundational elements – selecting the right variety, preparing your soil meticulously, providing adequate sunlight and consistent care, and preparing for overwintering – you’ll set yourself up for success. While the spectacular harvest may be more abundant in the years to come, the process of nurturing these magnificent plants from the start is a rewarding endeavor in itself. Embrace the learning curve, enjoy the architectural beauty they bring to your garden, and savor the anticipation of those first, delicious buds. Happy growing!