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Growing Green Globe artichokes from seed.

Artichokes are a tender perennial in Zones 7 and higher, but some varieties can be grown as an annual in cooler climate zones. Green Globe artichokes can be started indoors and moved outside when all danger of frost is past. Plant 4 to 5 artichoke seeds in a 4″ or larger pot in January. Thin seedlings, leaving the strongest one to grow. Plants should be 8″ to 10″ tall when moved outside when soil temperature reaches 60º. Space plants 4 to 5 feet apart, as the plants get quite large. Artichokes are heavy feeders. For each plant, mix a shovel of compost or aged manure into the soil before planting. They require consistent moisture, but do not like to be in waterlogged soil. They benefit from periodic feedings and a  3″ to 4″ layer of mulch. Cut the buds before they bloom or use the purple blooms in dried flower arrangements. Artichokes can be a difficult crop to raise, but well worth the trouble.

Good companion crops are peas, sunflowers and tarragon. Bad companions for artichokes are anything large as they grow 4 to 5 wide. 

Growing Green Globe artichokes from seed.

Artichokes are a tender perennial in Zones 7 and higher, but some varieties can be grown as an annual in cooler climate zones. Green Globe artichokes can be started indoors and moved outside when all danger of frost is past. Plant 4 to 5 artichoke seeds in a 4″ or larger pot in January. Thin seedlings, leaving the strongest one to grow. Plants should be 8″ to 10″ tall when moved outside when soil temperature reaches 60º. Space plants 4 to 5 feet apart, as the plants get quite large. Artichokes prefer well drained, loamy soil and plenty of water. They benefit from periodic feedings and a  3″ to 4″ layer of mulch. Cut the buds before they bloom or use the purple blooms in dried flower arrangements. Artichokes can be a difficult crop to raise, but well worth the trouble.

Good companion crops are peas, sunflowers and tarragon. Bad companions for artichokes are anything large as they grow 4 to 5 wide.