Globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are magnificent plants that can grace any garden with their sculptural beauty and produce delicious, edible flower buds. While many gardeners opt for purchasing established plants, starting globe artichokes from seed offers a rewarding and cost-effective approach, allowing you to cultivate these culinary treasures from the very beginning. This comprehensive guide is designed for the absolute beginner, demystifying the process and empowering you to successfully grow globe artichokes from seed.
Why Start Globe Artichokes from Seed?
Embarking on the journey of growing globe artichokes from seed offers several compelling advantages for the budding horticulturist:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Seed packets are significantly less expensive than purchasing mature plants, allowing you to grow a larger number of artichokes for a fraction of the cost.
- Variety Selection: Starting from seed opens up a world of artichoke varieties that may not be readily available as starter plants in your local garden center. You can choose from different colors, sizes, and growing habits.
- Deeper Understanding: Nurturing a plant from a tiny seed to a robust producer fosters a profound connection with your garden and provides invaluable insights into the plant’s life cycle and needs.
- Sense of Accomplishment: There’s an unparalleled satisfaction in harvesting your first home-grown globe artichoke, knowing you nurtured it from its humble beginnings.
Key Facts About Globe Artichokes
Before diving into the planting process, understanding some fundamental facts about globe artichokes will set you up for success:
| Scientific Name | Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus |
| Plant Type | Perennial (though often grown as an annual in colder climates) |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full Sun (at least 6-8 hours per day) |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter |
| Watering Needs | Consistent moisture, especially during dry periods |
| Hardiness Zones | Typically Zones 7-10; can be grown as an annual in colder zones |
| Days to Maturity | 100-150 days from transplanting seedlings |
Choosing the Right Globe Artichoke Variety
While the “globe artichoke” is a common term, several distinct varieties exist, each with its own characteristics. For beginners, some varieties are more forgiving and productive than others.
Popular Varieties for Seed Starting:
- ‘Imperial Star’: This is a popular choice for beginners and commercial growers alike. It’s known for its adaptability to various climates and its excellent production of large, tender buds. It’s also one of the few varieties reliably grown from seed.
- ‘Green Globe’: A classic and widely recognized variety, ‘Green Globe’ is robust and produces well in most conditions. While often propagated from divisions, it can also be grown from seed, though germination may be less consistent than ‘Imperial Star’.
- ‘Violetta’: This Italian heirloom produces beautiful purple-tinged buds and is highly regarded for its flavor. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something a little different.
The Seed Starting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting globe artichokes from seed requires a bit of patience and attention to detail, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Step 1: Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials:
- High-quality globe artichoke seeds (choose a reliable seed supplier)
- Seed starting trays or small pots (at least 2-3 inches deep)
- Seed starting mix or a sterile, well-draining potting mix
- A heat mat (optional, but highly recommended for consistent germination)
- Grow lights (optional, but beneficial for strong, stocky seedlings)
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Labels and a permanent marker
- Clear plastic dome or plastic wrap
Step 2: Stratification (Optional but Recommended)
Globe artichoke seeds benefit from a period of cold, moist treatment known as stratification. This process mimics natural winter conditions and can significantly improve germination rates.
- Moisten a paper towel and wring out any excess water.
- Place your artichoke seeds on the damp paper towel.
- Fold the paper towel over the seeds, ensuring they are enclosed.
- Place the folded paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag or container.
- Store the bag in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for 1-2 weeks, checking the paper towel periodically to ensure it remains moist.
Step 3: Sowing the Seeds
Once you’ve completed stratification (or if you’ve decided to skip this step), it’s time to sow your seeds.
- Fill your seed starting trays or pots with the seed starting mix, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
- Gently water the soil until it is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Sow 2-3 seeds per cell or pot, planting them about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. If you’re planting multiple seeds per cell, you’ll thin them out later.
- Lightly cover the seeds with the seed starting mix and gently firm the soil.
- Label each cell or pot with the variety of artichoke and the date of sowing.
Step 4: Providing the Right Germination Conditions
Germination is a critical phase, and providing the optimal environment will ensure your seeds sprout successfully.
- Temperature: Globe artichoke seeds germinate best in consistently warm soil, ideally between 70-80°F (21-27°C). Using a heat mat is highly recommended to maintain this temperature.
- Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A clear plastic dome or covering the trays with plastic wrap will help retain humidity.
- Light: Seeds do not require light to germinate.
Step 5: Waiting for Germination
Be patient! Globe artichoke seeds can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days to germinate, and sometimes even longer. Once you see the first sprouts emerging, it’s time to adjust their environment.
Step 6: Post-Germination Care
As soon as your seedlings emerge, they need light and slightly cooler temperatures to prevent them from becoming leggy and weak.
- Remove the cover: Once seedlings appear, remove the plastic dome or wrap to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
- Provide light: Place the seedlings under grow lights or in a very bright, sunny window. If using grow lights, position them about 2-4 inches above the seedlings and keep them on for 12-16 hours a day.
- Temperature: Slightly cooler temperatures, around 60-70°F (15-21°C), are ideal for young seedlings.
- Watering: Continue to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to damping off, a common fungal disease that affects seedlings.
- Thinning: Once your seedlings have their first set of true leaves (which will look different from the initial seed leaves), thin them out by snipping the weaker seedlings at the soil line with clean scissors. Aim for one strong seedling per cell or pot.
Hardening Off Your Artichoke Seedlings
Before transplanting your seedlings into the garden, they need to be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions. This process, known as hardening off, prevents transplant shock.
- About 1-2 weeks before your last expected frost, begin taking your seedlings outside for short periods. Start with just an hour or two in a sheltered, shady spot.
- Gradually increase the amount of time they spend outdoors each day and expose them to more direct sunlight.
- Bring them inside at night, especially if temperatures are still cool or there’s a risk of frost.
- After a week or two of this gradual acclimatization, your seedlings should be ready for transplanting.
Transplanting Globe Artichokes into the Garden
Choosing the right time and location for transplanting is crucial for the long-term success of your globe artichokes.
When to Transplant
Transplant your hardened-off seedlings into the garden after all danger of frost has passed in your area. Aim for late spring or early summer, depending on your climate.
Site Selection
Globe artichokes are sun-loving plants that thrive in well-draining soil.
- Sunlight: Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: Prepare your soil by amending it generously with compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve drainage and provide essential nutrients. Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Spacing: Globe artichokes are large plants and require ample space. Space your seedlings 3-4 feet apart, as they can grow up to 3-5 feet wide and tall.
Transplanting Procedure
- Dig a hole that is as deep as the seedling’s root ball and twice as wide.
- Gently remove the seedling from its pot, taking care not to disturb the roots. If the roots are tightly bound (root-bound), you can gently loosen them.
- Place the seedling in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant.
- Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once your globe artichokes are in the ground, consistent care will ensure a bountiful harvest.
Watering
Artichokes have deep root systems, but they still require consistent moisture, especially during dry spells and when buds are developing. Water deeply and regularly, aiming for about 1-2 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal.
Fertilizing
In addition to the initial soil preparation, feed your artichokes with a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. A side dressing of compost or aged manure throughout the growing season will also benefit the plants.
Weeding
Keep the area around your artichokes free of weeds, as they compete for water and nutrients. Mulching with a layer of organic material like straw or compost will help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Management
Globe artichokes are generally hardy, but they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
Common Pests:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cluster on new growth. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can usually control them.
- Slugs and Snails: These mollusks can damage young seedlings. Beer traps or organic slug bait can be effective.
- Artichoke Plume Moth: The larvae of this moth can bore into the flower buds. Monitoring and hand-picking the larvae is often the best approach.
Common Diseases:
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as white, powdery patches on leaves. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Root Rot: This is usually caused by overwatering and poorly draining soil. Ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Harvesting Your Globe Artichokes
The moment of truth! Harvesting your globe artichokes at the right time is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
When to Harvest
Harvest artichoke buds when they are firm, plump, and the scales are tightly closed. If the scales begin to open, the artichoke is past its prime for eating fresh but can still be used for other culinary purposes.
How to Harvest
Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stalk about 1 to 1.5 inches below the bud. It’s best to harvest in the morning after the dew has dried.
Overwintering Globe Artichokes
In colder climates (Zones 6 and below), globe artichokes are often grown as annuals. However, in Zones 7 and above, they can be overwintered.
Overwintering Methods:
- Mulching: In milder climates, simply apply a thick layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or compost) around the base of the plant after the first hard frost. This will protect the crown from freezing temperatures.
- Cutting Back: After the first frost, cut the plant back to about 6-8 inches above the ground. Then, apply a thick layer of mulch.
- Covering: For added protection in Zone 6, you can cover the mulched plant with a burlap cover or frost cloth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues for Beginners
Even with careful planning, you might encounter a few bumps along the road. Here’s how to address them:
Table 2: Common Seed Starting Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds not germinating | Old seeds, incorrect temperature, insufficient moisture, stratification not performed | Use fresh seeds, ensure consistent warmth (heat mat), maintain soil moisture, try stratification |
| Seedlings are leggy and weak | Insufficient light, too much heat, overwatering | Provide adequate light (grow lights), lower temperature slightly, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings |
| Seedlings damping off (collapsing at the soil line) | Fungal disease due to overwatering, poor air circulation, or contaminated soil | Avoid overwatering, ensure good air circulation, use sterile seed starting mix, remove affected seedlings immediately |
| Slow growth after transplanting | Transplant shock, insufficient nutrients, poor soil drainage | Ensure proper hardening off, provide adequate water and sunlight, amend soil with compost, check for root-bound conditions |
Pros and Cons of Starting Globe Artichokes from Seed
Like any gardening endeavor, starting from seed has its advantages and disadvantages.
Table 3: Pros and Cons of Starting Globe Artichokes from Seed
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More economical for growing multiple plants | Longer time to harvest compared to established plants |
| Wider variety selection available | Requires more initial effort and patience |
| Greater sense of accomplishment | Lower germination rates can sometimes occur |
| Opportunity to learn plant life cycles | Seedlings are more vulnerable to pests and diseases initially |
Conclusion: The Reward of Patience
Starting globe artichokes from seed is a journey that rewards patience and diligent care. By following these steps, understanding the needs of these unique plants, and embracing the learning process, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your very own homegrown culinary jewels. The satisfaction of harvesting those majestic buds, knowing you nurtured them from tiny seeds, is a gardening triumph that truly nourishes the soul – and the palate! Happy growing!
