Artichokes - Key Growing Information
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.
MILD AREAS: In Zone 9 and warmer, may be grown for annual or perennial production.
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.
HARVEST: Clip buds at desired size before bracts fully open.
SEED SPECS: SEEDS/LB.: Avg. 11,500.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplant.
PACKET: 25 seeds.