Artichoke plants are a perennial member of the thistle family. They have large, silvery-green leaves and tall stems that can reach up to 6 feet in height. The edible portion of the plant is the flower bud, which is harvested before it blooms. Artichokes are a cool-season crop and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They require regular watering and should be fertilized every 4 to 6 weeks. Artichoke plants are also known for their attractive purple flowers and can be used as a decorative addition to gardens.
Planning Your Garden With Artichokes
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Artichokes are perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Artichokes are hardy in USDA Zones 7-10. |
| Cold Tolerance | Artichokes can tolerate temperatures down to 25. In areas with colder winters, it is recommended to cover the plants with a thick layer of mulch or a frost blanket to protect them from frost. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest artichokes is usually around 90-120 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown artichoke plant is about 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Artichokes need plenty of space to grow, so it is best to plant them at least 3 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Artichokes are considered to be full sun plants and can tolerate up to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. |
| Shade tolerance | Artichokes are tolerant of partial shade but prefer full sun. When grown in partial shade, artichokes may produce fewer and smaller heads. |
| Water requirements | Artichokes require consistently moist soil to grow. The ideal soil moisture should be kept between 60-80%. To achieve this, water your artichokes deeply and frequently, providing 1-2 inches of water per week. Make sure to water the soil, not the foliage, to avoid disease. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer used when growing artichokes will depend on the type of fertilizer used, the soil type, and the age of the plants. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet of garden area. It is best to apply the fertilizer in the early spring when the plants are actively growing. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing artichokes is 6.5 to 7.5. |
Why Artichokes are Popular
People like to grow artichokes because they are a unique and delicious vegetable that is easy to grow and maintain. They are also attractive plants that can add beauty to a garden. Artichokes are also very healthy, providing a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Companion Plants For Artichokes
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for artichokes include:
Common Pests For Artichokes
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow artichokes, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- nematodes
- cutworms
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
