Growing Artichokes - Growing Unusual Garden Plants

Growing artichokes is considered to be an art form by many people. Artichokes are one of the few garden plants that people tend to avoid and leave to the professionals. Yet growing artichokes is possible in any climate that has 100 consecutive frost-free days. Culinary hobbyists love the fresh flavor of an artichoke or artichoke heart, especially when served with a rich, flavorful dipping sauce. Artichokes can be an expensive proposition if you choose to buy them from the grocery store. There is no reason that growing artichokes cannot be similar to other garden plants.

Growing Artichokes – Successful Garden Plants Tips and Techniques

Many people assume that growing artichokes is accomplished by setting out the garden plants and waiting for the following year for them to bear fruit. In reality, artichokes can be grown from vegetable seeds and will produce at approximately the same time as tomatoes.

While intense heat can make growing artichokes wilt, like most garden plants, the artichoke will respond to watering. Well-drained soil is essential, as is composting and fertilizer. If you plan on planting artichokes, make sure you plan your garden layout appropriately. Plants can be saved from season to season by mounding soil around the plant in the winter and removing any extra stalks.

Replace one quarter of the growing artichokes with new garden plants each season. Artichokes are ideal when bendable and soft below the bud. Artichoke hearts are a wonderful treat when cooked and well worth the effort of tending to these fun and unusual garden plants.

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