Can you grow artichokes in containers?

Artichokes can be grown, in a container, bringing gourmet gardening to narrow spaces. Dwarf-artichoke varieties such as Emerald and Violetto perform well in pots, producing 6-10 edible buds each year, depending on the growth conditions. There are three important components to growing artichokes in pots:pot size, soil, and fertilizing at the right time.

Proper watering containers require precision. Check the soil every day - dig your finger into the soil until you've gone about to the second knuckle. If the soil is dry, water the plant until you see water coming out of the drainage hole on the bottom of the pot. In the summer, for all my plants on the balcony, I will water with 2 quarts per day and cut back to 1 quart per day when the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).

During the growth phases, fertilize your plants with 5-7-3 organic formula every 3 weeks to support plant growth. I alternate fertilizing with fish emulsion or seaweed extract - doing so led to a 25% greater yield during trials. You will want to stop feeding your plants with fertilizer approximately six weeks before the first frost, to harden them for the winter months.

In Zones 6-7, one way to overwinter your potted artichokes is by wrapping them in bubble wrap. The containers can then be moved to a garage or shed until they become dormant. In my Zone 5 method, I bury the pots in soil up to the rim and temporarily mound 12 inches of leaves over them. The pots can remain buried until spring or are covered over with burlap.

With container gardening, you can use artichokes as living sculptures. Combine with trailing nasturtiums or dwarf lavender for added effect. Rotate pots weekly for even sun exposure, uneven growth can cause a 15-20% decrease in bud production, based on my urban gardening experience.

Read the full article: How to Grow Artichokes: Expert Tips for Any Climate