Artichokes - Key Growing Information

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

CULTURE:

Artichokes require very fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5–7.0. Sow artichokes indoors 8–12 weeks before transplant date. Plant 2–3 seeds ¼" deep, per cell in 50-cell trays or individual containers. Germinate at 70–80°F (21–26°C) and grow at 60–70°F (15–21°C) day and 50–60°F (10–15°C) night. Thin to 1 plant per cell or container. Transplant 6- to 12-week-old plants to the field 2–3' apart in rows 3–6' apart. Protect from frost.

DAYS TO MATURITY:

From date of transplant.

IMPORTANT COLD TREATMENT (VERNALIZATION):

Artichokes need 10 days of 45–50°F (7.2–10°C) temperatures to induce budding. In mild regions this can be accomplished naturally when overwintering a fall-planted crop. For spring-planted crops, cold exposure can occur in a refrigerator or cooler. Timing transplanting to expose seedlings to these temperatures is possible but may be unreliable.

MILD AREAS:

Where winter low is above 14°F (-10°C), sow seeds in fall, harvest in spring.

HARVEST:

Clip buds at desired size before bracts fully open.

SEEDS/LB. (AVG.):

11,500.

PACKET:

25 seeds.

Artichokes