Artichokes - Key Growing Information
CULTURE: Artichokes require very fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5–8.0. Sow artichokes indoors 8–12 weeks before last spring frost date. Sow 2–3 seeds per cell in 50-cell trays or individual containers ¼" deep. Germinate at 70–80°F (21–26°C). Thin to one plant per cell or container and grow at 60–70°F (15–21°C) day and 50–60°F (10–15°C) night. Transplant 6- to 12-week-old plants to the field 2–3' apart in rows 3–6' apart.
MILD AREAS: Where winter low is above 14°F (-10°C), sow seeds in fall, harvest in spring. Perennial in Zone 7 and warmer; otherwise treat as an annual.
IMPORTANT COLD TREATMENT (VERNALIZATION): If treating as an annual, time transplanting so plants receive a minimum of 10 days of 45–50°F (7.2–10°C) temperatures to induce budding. Protect from frost.
HARVEST: Clip mature buds midsummer to midfall, depending on location.
SEED SPECS: SEEDS/LB.: Avg. 11,500.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplant.
PACKET: 25 seeds, unless otherwise noted.