How To Grow Artichokes

Artichokes grow in almost any type of weather. They require minimal supervision and can remain productive for many years. Growing artichokes from home is a better alternative than buying commercially produced ones, as homegrown products are often free of chemicals and pesticides.

All you need is a strip of soil where there's enough sunlight for artichokes to thrive. You may also need compost to feed your plants rich, natural nutrients. Read on and learn more about how to grow artichokes.

You can purchase artichoke seeds from your local store. Put a 12 inch distance between seed to give room for each plant to grow comfortably. A full-grown artichoke is big, but this distance is enough to accommodate their size. Plant the seeds about half an inch into the soil. Make sure the soil is loose and porous.

The best time to plant artichokes is in the morning when sunlight is still mild and manageable. Cover the seed with the compost that has been mixed with soil. Then sprinkle water directly into the seeds but make sure that the water doesn't drown them. On the first day, make sure that the soil remains wet all day long. This is essential as the seeds are still on the germination process. An artichoke seed usually germinates in only a week, but others may take longer than that.

The rule of the thumb is to water the plants every three days. If the leaves seem on the verge of withering, apply more water on a daily basis. Don't touch the plants except when checking them for pests. If pests have found their way into your artichokes, apply natural treatment but avoid commercial pesticides as it defeats the purpose of a naturally grown plant.

It is important to apply fertilize only once a year. You can do this during the growth stage in which the artichoke is still gaining in size. You can use homemade compost that are a combination of biodegradable elements. It would be best to plant artichokes during fall as it gives you more time to grow them before a harsh, cold winter.