What is an Artichoke Plant?
The Artichoke Plant is also known as the Cynara scolymus. It is in the family of prickly weeds known as thistles.
But the difference is that the Artichoke Plant has a huge history of being eaten. It has been cultivated as a food source for many years.
The Artichoke Plant has been grown across many countries. Countries such as the United States have established Artichoke Plant growing zones. Experts have identified that the Artichoke Plant is edible in most of its parts.
Types of Artichoke Plants
There are different types of Artichoke plants. That is why it is important to understand these varieties when making the right choices.
The main varieties include Big Heart Artichoke, Green Globe Artichoke, Violetta Artichoke, and Jerusalem Artichoke.
- Green Globe Artichoke
The green globe is a variety that buds early in the first year of growth. It is considered an annual plant that does well in warmer zones. The green globe blooms during the summer season and reaches harvest quickly in such weather.
- Big Heart Artichoke
The big heart is a variety that is well known for its thorns. This variety also does well in warm weather. It is a variety that is bred from the seed. It is, however, smaller in size compared to the other varieties.
- Violetta Artichoke
The Violetta variety is considered a fast-blooming Artichoke plant. This variety is known for heavy blooming. It produces side buds that are very significant in appearance. These buds are purple.
- Jerusalem Artichoke
The Jerusalem variety is also among the popular Artichoke plants. However, this plant is commonly categorized under the sunflower species.
It grows bigger compared to the other Artichoke varieties. The plant blooms well when exposed to enough sunlight.
Steps to follow when growing Artichoke
When growing the Artichoke plant, there are a few steps that can act as a guide. It is important to understand these steps for a successful effort.
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Growing the Artichoke plant has to start with identifying where to grow them. This means coming up with the right location.
Identifying a location with proper drainage when growing the Artichoke is important. This is because soggy soils damage the Artichoke.
A good location for the Artichoke plant must also access plenty of sunlight. This is because the Artichoke plant requires enough sunlight to bloom. Many of the Artichoke plants are annual and only appear during the summer.
Step 2: Prepare the Soil
The next step after identifying the location is to prepare the soil. Remember that the Artichoke plant needs well-aerated soils. It also does not do well in soils that retain a lot of water and become soggy.
The selection of soil also has to consider having enough nutrients. The soil should contain adequate organic matter. It is also good to check on the soil structure. This is great in ensuring that the soils are well-mixed before planting.
Step 3: Plant the Artichokes
The next step is to plant your Artichoke plant. This is after ensuring all the conditions are right for the Artichoke to grow.
There are different ways of planting the Artichoke plant. The most popular is planting them using seeds. The gardener has to make sure that they properly select seeds for the Artichoke plant.
It is recommended to plant the Artichokes in rows. The recommended spacing is 4 to 6 feet apart.
Allowing enough room for easy care of the Artichoke plant is important. This includes allowing for easy watering. Proper spacing also allows for essential drainage and help prevent crop failure that is brought about by plant overcrowding.
Step 4: Watering the Artichokes
The other important step in growing the Artichoke is to water these plants. The Artichoke plants require enough water to produce buds and bloom.
Proper watering also allows for strong root development. It is recommended to find the right routine for watering these plants. The main consideration is the type of soil and the climate.
Experts indicate that hot summers may not be favorable for the Artichoke plants. This is because it can cause the plant to bloom quickly and open flowers.
That is why overhead irrigation is recommended in such cases. This allows for cooling and properly managed maturing of the Artichoke plant.
Step 5: Applying Fertilizer
It is also important to consider adding fertilizer to the Artichoke once planted. This is essential in ensuring the soil has enough nutrients for the plant growth. It is recommended to use fertilizers with balanced plant food.
Step 5: Harvest Artichokes
The final step of growing the Artichoke plants is to harvest them. This is one of the broad topics of discussion in this field.
It is important to look for information on the best harvesting methods for the Artichoke plants. Remember that the Artichoke plant buds are tender and require proper handling to avoid possible damage.
The best approach to Trimming an Artichoke
Trimming an artichoke plant is considered one of the best ways of providing care. It is important to understand how best to prune these plants.
One of the major recommendations is to use the right tools. Using a serrated knife is among the popular tools for pruning the Artichoke.
Removing the first layers of leaves of an Artichoke plant is recommended. These are the leaves that grow on the stem. This is great because it encourages the budding of the plant.
The out leaves of the Artichoke can be cut using kitchen shears. Some gardeners want their plants to sit flat. It is recommended to cut the stem. Using a paring knife can make it easier to work on this procedure.
The ideal time to start growing
No ideal season can be identified as the best for growing Artichokes. But the experts indicate that Artichokes do well when it is sunny. Many of them recommend growing the Artichokes during the summer season. Therefore, it is advisable to mark it in your planting calendar.
Experts have also indicated that you can make growing Artichokes perennial. However, this will require major intervention.
It requires that you provide ideal conditions for proper growth and blooming. This is especially for gardeners who live in areas that experience extended winter seasons.
How Long Does Artichokes Take to Mature?
The maturity of the Artichokes takes little time. The Artichokes can take an estimated 85 to 100 days to produce buds.
The side buds take longer to mature than the center bud. The only recommendation is to keep a closer follow-up of the Artichokes while growing them.
How do I know my Artichoke is ready/ripe?
Understanding when the Artichokes mature is important. However, there is one major issue of contention among gardeners. This is especially on the time when the Artichokes are ripe.
You can consider the Artichokes ripe when the leaf bends without breaking off. A close follow up of the plant can help in making the right decisions on when to harvest the Artichokes.
Pests and Diseases to expect when growing Artichokes
It is also important to understand the issue of pests and diseases that can attack the Artichokes. This is good information for ensuring that the Artichokes grow with minimal risks of harm.
The sucking insects are among the pests that attach the Artichokes. This includes the thrips, aphids, and mites. It is advisable to look for information on how to prevent these pests.