Caring For Artichokes

Start artichokes from seed if you do not have mature plants for the garden. Sprinkle artichoke seeds on the surface of potting soil in a seed starter tray. The seeds germinate at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. After germination, put the seedlings in 3-inch containers.

Prepare your garden for artichoke plants. Rake fallen leaves and weeds away from the garden. Add a layer of compost and rake it into the soil.

Plant mature artichoke plants in the garden three or four weeks before the last frost. Space each plant about 18 inches apart. If you have more than one row of plants, space the rows 3 feet apart.

Give artichoke plants 1 or 2 inches of water per week. Artichoke plants prefer moist soil and cool temperatures.

Apply 3 inches of mulch around each artichoke plant. This protects the plant's roots and keeps weeds away.

Add 2 tsp. of nitrogen fertilizer to the soil four weeks after you transplant the mature artichoke plant to the garden. Add more fertilizer every four weeks.

Harvest artichoke buds in July or August. Use a sharp knife to cut the buds off the plant, leaving 2 inches of stem on the bud.

Cut off remaining leaves when the plant stops producing buds. Add more mulch and cover the plant with soil. If you live in a warm area, the plant's roots will not freeze, and it returns in the spring.