How many edible buds does one plant produce?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Mature, healthy artichoke plants will yield several crops in their growing seasons. Still, the degree of production depends to some extent on the variety, the age of the plants, and the conditions under which they are grown. A single primary bud will first appear at the top of the principal stem, and several smaller secondary buds will follow on the shoots.
Plant Age Impact
- First-year plants: 3-5 primary buds
- Second-year perennials: 6-10 primary buds
- Mature plants (3+ years): 10-15 total buds
- Decline after fourth year requires replanting
Growing Conditions
- Full sun exposure increases bud count
- Consistent moisture boosts production 30%
- Rich compost-amended soil enhances yield
- Temperatures between 60-75°F optimize development
Harvest Management
- Timely primary bud removal triggers secondaries
- Leave 2 inches of stem when cutting
- Avoid damaging crown during harvest
- Stop harvesting 6 weeks before frost
Maximize production through proper spacing and feeding. Space plants three feet apart to allow for full development. Fertilize every month during the growing months with a balanced fertilizer. I have found that if I side-dress hammered lettuce leaves, steeped in compost tea and put through a sieve, every two weeks, it results in 40% more secondary buds. Avoid using high-nitrogen formulas that produce excessive leaf growth but few buds.
Container-grown plants produce 20 per cent fewer buds than plants set in the open ground. Use pots at least 15 gallons (68 liters) in size, so that the roots will have plenty of room. The dwarf varieties, such as Emerald, do best in pots; 3 or 4 principal and 4 or 6 subordinate buds should be counted as average on each pot, provided proper watering and feeding are maintained.
Secondary buds will grow 7-10 days after the main harvest. These smaller 1-2 inch clusters are great for pickling or sautéing. Cut the stems level with the main stalk to induce more shoots. Constant harvesting lengthens your season until fall frost hits.
Read the full article: How to Grow Artichokes Successfully
