What's the best fertilizer for artichokes?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.How to grow artichokes to achieve robust plants starts with proper fertilization. Since they are such big feeders, they need good, balanced nutrition to generate their signature edible buds. After losing half of my first crop of artichokes to yellowing leaves, I fine-tuned my fertilizer program which now has me generating over 12 buds per plant.
Liquid Fertilizers
- Fish emulsion (5-1-1) every 3 weeks during growth
- Compost tea applied at bud formation stage
- Seaweed extract for micronutrient boosts
Soil Amendments
- Crushed eggshells for calcium (200g per plant)
- Bone meal (3-15-0) mixed into planting holes
- Worm castings as top-dress every 6 weeks
Timing applications with growth stages. Apply fish emulsion when the plants are 12 inches (30 cm) tall. Switch to compost tea as buds begin to form - the phosphorus boost raised my yields by 25%. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes after flowering begins - they will cause leaf growth, not bud growth.
A lack of calcium will cause tip burn - that crispy edge on the outer bracts. My remedy is to mix 1 cup (128g) of crushed oyster shells in each transplant hole. If you're looking for a quick remedy, spray calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0) at a rate of 1 tbsp/gal. (15ml/3.8L) when the buds just start to form.
The soil should be tested every two years because artichokes deplete nutrients very quickly. My clay-loam plot required 25% more potassium than a soil recommendation.Currently, I add a wood ash (0-1-3) application during the fall from 2 cups (256g) per plant, to help balance the pH and support the stems from wind damage.
Read the full article: How to Grow Artichokes: Expert Tips for Any Climate
