How long does it take for artichoke plants to mature?

Cultivating artichokes allows gardeners to enjoy the beautiful striking silvery foliage and tender buds and is well worth the effort. These native Mediterranean plants are adaptable to any climate if cared for appropriately. The gardener's first step is to select varieties that are suited to their USDA zone - for example, cold-hardy varieties like Imperial Star or heat-loving varieties like Green Globe will support artichoke success.

The planting strategy is determined by region. Seed planting for northern gardeners should start indoors about 8 weeks before your last frost. For gardeners in the south, planting in the fall is advantageous. Place three to four feet of spacing between plants; they have a five-foot spread and need that much space. From experience, alternating planned planting will continue a harvest for an additional 6 weeks.

Water management is essential. Apply 1-2 inches of water weekly with drip irrigation. Mulch with straw to retain moisture- my drought-prone garden in California yielded 30% higher last year after I switched from overhead watering to drop irrigation. Treated container plants will need to be checked daily in extreme heat.

To harvest buds, wait until the buds are tight and 3-4 inches wide. Cut the stem 2 inches below the base using sharp shears. You can keep the buds fresh in the refrigerator (unwashed) in perforated bags for up to 3 weeks, or you can blanch and freeze them for year-round use. Do not harvest woody, overmature shoots; this is an indicator that the plant is beginning to fail or is unhealthy.

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