Here’s everything you need to know about growing artichokes, as well as, 8 fun recipes to cook up your bountiful harvest.

The beautiful dark silvery green artichoke plant is a warm weather perennial. It will grow almost effortlessly, year after year, in warm climates and can be grown as an annual in cooler landscapes. The stunning purple flowers attract bees and other important pollinators to your garden and can be used as beautiful cut flowers for lush bouquets.

Choose Your Variety

If you live in an area with mild winters you’ll want to choose low chill varieties such as the Colorado Star, Tavor or Emerald. If your summers are short select an early maturing variety such as Colorado Star or Tavor.

If you’re planning on placing your artichoke plants in a small space, or in pots, you’ll want to choose a cultivar known for its smaller stature like Imperial Star.

Overall, the best 8 artichoke varieties to grow in a home garden are: Colorado Star, Emerald, Green Globe Improved, Imperial Star, Purple Italian Globe, Tavor, Violet De Provence, and Violetta di Chioggia.

When growing artichokes as an annual, meaning, for just one season, use artichoke varieties such as Imperial Star and Tavor. These varieties mature more quickly and fruit faster than others. If growing artichokes in a cooler climate choose Green Globe, which grows in cold weather zones (seven and above) as a perennial.

Another excellent variety is the Italian Classic Violetto. We just love it’s beautiful purple head. This variety matures later than the Green Globe but produces more fruit.

Violet de Provence, an early producing heirloom, from the the South of France, is well adapted to warm climates. This open pollinated artichoke boasts purple buds which are incredible when they are harvested while still small (just one to two inches wide). They are extremely tender and can even be eaten raw!

How, When, And Where To Plant Artichokes

Plant artichoke seeds or plants after the last frost, four feet apart, in nutrient rich loamy soil. One of the most common reasons artichokes fail to thrive is due to waterlogging. Artichokes prefer sandy, well drained, fertile soil.

When placing your artichoke plants in your garden, keep in mind, the non-compact varieties grow up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Plant in a partial shade to full sun area.

Water thoroughly after planting and water again once the top inch of soil dries out. Block weeds and seal in moisture by adding a 4-inch layer of compost. Fertilize with organic fertilizer during the growing season. In zones where artichokes flourish as perennials each plant will produce for up to five years.

How To Fertilize Artichokes

Artichoke plants thrive when organic rich fertilizers are applied throughout the growing season and when they are planted in nice compost-rich soil. Start with a rich loamy soil then add chicken or steer manure, as well as an organic fertilizer, a few weeks after planting.

When fertilizing mature artichoke plants, use a high-nitrogen fertilizer. In climates where you’re growing artichokes as a perennial apply the fertilizer in the fall. In places where artichokes die off during the cool winter months, apply a spring feeding when you see new crown growth.

How To Water Artichokes

When watering artichoke plants, ensure the artichokes receive about an inch of water each week, during the growing season. Give them an extra watering during hot days.

Applying an inch, or two, of rich organic mulch around your artichoke plants will help them retain moisture. If the soil fails to drain, reduce watering and amend the soil. Improve drainage by adding organic matter such as manure, compost, and mulch. Adding rich organic matter to the soil simultaneously helps fast draining soils retain more water and poorly drained ones dry out faster.

Now, for the fun and rewarding part, harvest your artichokes when they are 3 inches wide and still tightly shut and firm.

After your artichokes fruit, cut the stalks down to the ground, and wait for next years regrowth!

Artichoke plants also grow well in containers. Make sure the pot is at least 24 inches wide in diameter. Whiskey barrels work wonderfully for growing luscious artichokes. Plant in rich well draining soil, water and fertilize regularly, and place in partial shade to full sun.

Enjoy your beautiful garden bounty!

8 Sensational Artichoke Recipes

Hot Artichoke Dip Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a delicious and creamy artichoke dip recipe, look no further. This recipe is hot and cheesy, baked with shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This artichoke dip is always a hit! It pairs well with baked chips or gluten free crackers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped artichoke hearts
• 1 small can of chopped and drained green chiles
• 1/3 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese
• A splash of lemon
• A pinch of salt

Mix entire ingredient list in a bowl. Pour mixture into an oven safe cooking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Lightly broil for a few extra minutes, until the top begins to brown, serve warm with crunchy tortillas chips or your favorite crispy crackers.

Fried Artichokes

This fried artichoke recipe is tasty and shockingly simple. Fried artichokes can easily be whipped up and will awe your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 cups artichoke hearts sliced in half and patted dry
• 2 cups avocado oil
• 2 Tbsp. shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• A pinch of salt
• A lemon cut into wedges
• 1 cup of organic flour
• A pinch of Garlic powder
• Three large beaten eggs
• 3 Tbsp. finely chopped Italian parsley

To learn more about this delicious fried artichoke recipe, visit sipandfeast.com.

Italian Style Artichokes

You absolutely can’t go wrong with Italian stuffed artichokes. This unique recipe incorporates cheese and breadcrumbs as the artichoke stuffing. In less than half an hour, from prep time to table, you’ll enjoy these Italian stuffed artichokes as a delicious entree or yummy side dish.

Ingredients

• 6 good sized artichokes
• 1/4 cup organic breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• A clove of minced garlic
• 3 Tbsp. minced Italian parsley
• Pinch of salt
• A lemon
• 6 Tbsp. of high quality olive oil

To learn more about Italian stuffed artichokes, visit recipesfromitaly.com.

Grilled Artichokes

Add this to your summer array of veggie delights because grilled artichokes make for a delicious barbecue favorite.

Ingredients

• 3 artichokes
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. chopped basil
• 2 cloves of garlic

To learn more about this grilled artichoke recipe, visit Carolinescooking.com.

Artichoke Pasta

With a mouth watering classic combination of butter and artichokes, artichoke pasta is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

• Eight roasted artichokes quartered
• 1 cup of pasta, whatever type you prefer
• 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ¼ cup organic pine nuts
• ⅓ cup fresh mint, lemon butter sauce

To learn more about artichoke pasta, visit loveandlemons.com.

Spinach Artichoke Pizza

Artichoke pizza is so fun, easy to make, and sure to please your crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup of shredded Parmesan
• Six cooked artichokes

To learn more about spinach artichoke pizza, visit cookingclassy.com.

Artichoke Salad

This picnic staple is great for dinner, outdoor gatherings, and barbecues.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove minced garlic
• ½ tsp. oregano
• Pinch of salt
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

To learn more about artichoke salad, visit cook2eatwell.com.

Artichoke Soup

For a warm winter treat, you’ll love this artichoke soup recipe. Thick and full of flavor this soup makes for a perfect winter appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 of a white onion chopped
• A chopped garlic clove
• A minced shallot
• 2 cups cooked artichokes
• ¼ cup organic chicken broth
• ¼ cup of white wine for cooking
• 1 Tbsp. Brandy
• 3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese

To learn more about artichoke soup, visit food.com.

Growing Artichokes: FAQ

How long does it take for artichokes to grow?

It takes about 3 months from the time the artichokes are planted until harvest.

Do artichokes come back every year?

In mild winter areas, artichokes grown as perennials can survive up to 5 years. Trim the spent stalks to the ground and wait for next years regrowth. In cold climates artichokes are grown as an annual.

How many artichokes does one plant produce?

Each plant produces about six to nine artichokes per season.

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