Globe artichokes are low in calories and sodium and high in vitamin C, vitamin Bc, and magnesium. an honest source of dietary fiber, artichokes are freed from saturated fat and cholesterol. In other words, artichokes are healthy food.
Globe artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes are entirely different plants. this text is about globe artichokes, the large, thistle-like plants that produce edible “leaves” and “hearts.” Artichokes grow well within the Mediterranean climate of the California coast, with its fog, deep rich soil, and funky summers.
In fact, Castroville, California has the respect of being called the artichoke capital of the planet. But you’ll grow chokes in less ideal conditions by choosing the proper varieties and adapting the growing techniques to your climate.
GLOBE ARTICHOKE VARIETIES
Northern Star is hardy to temperatures below freezing. Imperial Star is one among the earliest to supply from seed, making it an honest choice for annual production. Green Globe is one of the foremost popular artichokes to grow.
GLOBE ARTICHOKE PLANTING AND CARE
Artichoke culture depends on the climate. Artichokes are perennials, but they will be grown as annuals in climates with cold winters.
In cold climates, start artichoke seeds indoors eight weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow them one-quarter inch apart in the soilless mix; transplant seedlings into two-to-four-inch containers. Grow them on at 60-70 degrees F during the day and 50-60 degrees F in the dark . once they are six-to-eight weeks old, plant them within the garden two-to-three feet apart. to line buds, artichoke plants need a minimum of 250 hours of temperatures below 50 degrees F, a process called vernalization. make certain to guard plants against frost.
In areas where the winter temperature stays above 14 degrees F, seeds are typically sown within the fall and harvested within the spring.
Artichokes need sandy, quick-draining soil with high organic content; cool nights and warm days; and a daily supply of water. Mulching with a rough, loose mulch will keep weeds down and moisture even. Full sun may be a must.
ARTICHOKE PESTS AND DISEASES
Slugs and snails eat young leaves. If there are too many to select, try small dishes of beer sunk to ground level. Iron phosphate baits and beer traps (shallow containers crammed with beer sunk therefore the rims are at ground level) may protect plants from the slugs and snails. Insecticidal soap can help with black flies and aphids.
HARVESTING ARTICHOKES
When you eat an artichoke you’re eating the immature flower. The edible globe or bud is really the fleshy bracts of the flower, plus the receptacle, which is what we call the guts. Harvest chokes when the heads are still tightly closed and therefore the lower bud bracts start to separate. Secondary chokes will develop after you narrow the highest one. The time of harvest depends on location.
If you don’t harvest the immature flowers they become thistle-like purple-blue flowers. With their large, fuzzy gray leaves, artichoke blooms are dramatic additions to flower arrangements. In fact, the blooms are so striking, many gardeners grow artichoke plants in their flower gardens.
