Transplant seedlings 2–3 feet apart in rows 4–6 feet apart. I find these varieties to be quite forgiving. This might all sound complicated, but I promise it’s not. I’ve also read that you can simply chill seeds in the refrigerator for two weeks before starting your transplants. However, do not bring them back into a warm house or greenhouse, as we are trying to trick them into a winter. If freezing temperatures are expected, bring them into a porch or other protected area. If this isn’t an option, start bringing the plants outdoors when temperatures are above 32☏. Protect from frost with blankets, cold frames, or whichever method you prefer. The easiest way to accomplish this is by timing transplant so the plants can receive this exposure outdoors. Time transplanting so plants receive at least 10 days of 45–50☏. These newer varieties require approximately 10 days of temperatures below 50☏ (but above 32☏). This why choosing the right variety is one of the first steps to grow artichokes successfully as annuals. Artichoke varieties like ‘Imperial Star’ and ‘Colorado Star’ require shorter periods of vernalization to produce buds. For climates with mild winters, this happens naturally. Vernalization is the process of introducing plants to chilled temperatures in order to induce budding. The trick to growing artichokes as annuals is giving them a period of cold temperatures, which is referred to as vernalization. Once seedlings have four leaves, transplant to 4″ pots and grow at 60–70☏ during the day and 50–60☏ at night. We also created a Seed-Starting Supplies Checklist (it’s free! all you need is an email address). For more information on how to start seeds indoors, check out this blog post. I put my pots under shop lights and place them on top of a heat mat with the thermostat set to 75☏. Click here to find your last spring frost date.Īrtichokes germinate best between 70–80☏. Give artichokes a head start on the season by sowing them indoors 8–10 weeks before last spring frost date. ‘Colorado Star’ is also for annual production, but it produces purple buds instead of green. ‘Imperial Star’ is a green artichoke specifically bred for annual production that produces well-developed artichokes the first year from seed. Choosing Artichoke VarietiesĬhoose artichoke varieties that are best suited for annual production. By utilizing these tips, you’ll be able to grow artichokes as annuals in your garden. These include selecting the best varieties for annual production, giving them a head start, providing a cold treatment, and transplanting into heavily-amended soil. Because artichokes are perennial plants by nature, there are a few tricks to grow them successfully as annuals. Since I live in Zone 4, I grow artichokes as annuals. This is completely OK, as most vegetables are annuals! In fact, there are specific varieties of globe artichokes for annual production, which we’ll talk about more below. However, you must grow them as annuals, meaning they complete their life cycles in a single growing season. In Zones 3–6, you can still grow artichokes. In Zones 7–11, you can grow artichokes as perennials, meaning they live more than two years. The difference is whether you can grow them as perennials or annuals.

You might be surprised that you can grow artichokes in most climates. Globe artichoke is a member of the thistle family, in which the flower buds are edible before they bloom. It’s a transformative experience, indeed. Once steamed, I pluck off a leaf, dip it in the butter, scrape it with my teeth, and wash it down with a crisp sauvignon blanc. I’ll steam it while melting garlic butter with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. There’s hardly anything I love more than strolling down to the garden and harvesting a fresh artichoke for an appetizer before supper. Read more about our affiliate policy here. Read on for details, or use the shortcut buttons above to jump straight to the printable instructions.Īlthough we only link to products we actually use on the farm, some links may be affiliate links. It’s fairly simple, but there are a few tips and tricks to ensure success. In fact, it’s the number one thing people ask about when they visit our garden! The secret is to grow them as annuals. People are often surprised to learn that you can grow artichokes in most climates, even our Zone 4 Wisconsin.

Fertilize artichoke seedlings