How to grow Artichokes

How to grow artichokes in a garden

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Globe shaped green fruit with a purplish base. Productive and good tasting. Perennial. Suits cool areas.

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.