Exotic artichokes are increasingly adorning gardens in Central Europe, both as ornamental and vegetable plants. But the cultivation can only succeed if the artichoke is planted in the right location and cared for in a species-appropriate manner. Find out here how your artichokes thrive in the garden.

Artichokes thrive in the garden for up to five years

Prefer artichoke seeds

Artichokes do not always flower in the first year. But if you have bought a variety that promises this, you should prefer it on the windowsill from February. The small plants should only be placed outdoors when it is guaranteed that no more frost is to be expected. The same applies to plants purchased from specialist retailers. The ice saints at the end of May are often used as a guideline: after this date you can plant your artichokes without any problems.

Plant out the artichoke

Artichokes like warm, sunny and wind-protected locations. Direct sun is not a problem for them and is much better tolerated than shade. It also needs nutrient-rich, loose soil in order to be able to grow vigorously and healthily. Therefore, three to five liters of compost per square meter should be mixed into the soil before planting out. It is also important that the artichokes are not planted too densely: they grow up to two meters high and a meter wide. Therefore, keep a planting distance of 80 cm to one meter from one plant to the next. In between, however, you can plant fast-growing, shallow-rooted vegetables that are harvested before the artichokes reach their full size.

Maintain artichoke

Artichokes should be watered sufficiently, especially during the growth phase. As mentioned, they also need sufficient nutrients. Therefore, they should be fertilized regularly: The fertilizer application when planting out is followed by at least one more compost fertilization in late summer. If the soil is poor in nutrients, several fertilizer applications may be necessary.

Harvest artichokes

Not only does it look like the flowers of the artichoke are being harvested, it actually is. Artichokes are also known as flowering vegetables for the same reason. However, the flower is harvested as a bud when it is still closed. Otherwise, a very attractive purple flower will appear and the artichoke can no longer be eaten. You can find out how to harvest your artichokes here.

Overwinter artichoke

Most artichoke species available from us are reasonably hardy, but need winter protection. The artichoke is covered with a mixture of sand with straw, manure or foliage. For more information on overwintering your artichoke, check out our overwintering guide.

Category:

Vegetable garden