How to Grow Artichokes

It's a 'tops and bottoms' tale when it comes to artichokes. With Jerusalem artichokes, it's the underground part that we eat, whereas the popular globe artichokes develop their edible parts well above the ground. These two 'varieties' are completely unrelated. Globe artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are actually an unopened bud belonging to the Thistle family and, if left to mature, the bud will expand into a rich, purple, thistle-like flower head. The plants can grow up to more than a metre tall and, because of their striking good looks, are often grown as ornamentals.

Full sun or semi shade

Regular watering

Well drained

Suitable for all climatic zones

52 weeks after planting

Autumn, winter and spring, but check the label for your location

How to grow artichokes in a garden

Step 1

Start by preparing the garden bed with organic compost and Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If soil is acidic, mix in a small amount of Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid Lime & Dolomite before planting.

Step 2

Sow seeds, suckers or tubers directly where they are to grow, cover lightly with Yates Seed Raising Mix, gently firm down and keep moist. Thin seedlings to 60cm apart and feed every two weeks with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food.

Step 3

If you've planted Jerusalem artichokes, in autumn the plants begin to die back and, when they're completely brown, the harvest can begin. Use your hands to 'bandicoot' under the plant bases and pull out the tubers – they look a bit like knotted potatoes.

Step 4

If you've planted Globe artichokes, they're generally ready to harvest in spring. Pick the buds when they are firm, but just before they open. Tip: Use a sharp knife to cut the stem and leave a few centimetres of stem.

How to grow artichokes in a pot

Step 1

Globe artichokes like to spread, so ensure the pot is 1m wide and at least 30cm deep. Fill pot with Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter and plant.

Growing tips

Good drainage is essential.
Water the base, especially early in the day so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall; this will help keep the plants disease free.
Artichokes grow slowly and usually take more than a year to get to cropping stage. As they grow, thin out the shoots to leave only the three or four of the strongest. If you don't do this, you'll end up with a myriad of weak, small heads.
Artichokes are perennials, so they will continue to grow year after year, for up to three or four years. Cut plants back towards the end of autumn and feed with Yates Thrive Natural Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food as the new shoots appear.

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