What Can I Plant With Artichokes?

Insect Traps

• A few companion plants are known as traps because harmful insects go to these plants rather than the artichoke plant. Aphids are especially troublesome when growing artichokes. Plants such as nasturtium and sunflowers draw aphids away from your artichokes. The bright blooms of nasturtium and sunflowers also look attractive next to a blooming artichoke. Other trap plants include comfrey for slugs and zinnia for Japanese beetles.

Insect Deterrents

• A wide variety of herbs and flowers give off scents that repel insects. Plants with a scent that repels aphids include mint, catnip, marigold, coriander, dill and petunia. Insect-repelling plants work best if planted along artichoke bed’s the border where they are brushed by people walking by them. This helps release the scent that bugs hate.

Beneficial Insect Attractors

• Because the main goal of growing artichokes is to eat the bud before it flowers, attracting pollinating insects, such as bees, is not important. However, a few plants help your artichokes by attracting beneficial insects that feed on harmful insects. Plants such as sweet alyssum, anise, buckwheat and clover all draw in predatory insects that dine on aphids and other problem bugs.

Other Vegetables

• Artichokes are perennials that grow year after year. It is best to plant them in an area where they won't be disturbed when you till your beds each year for planting annual crops, such as peppers and tomatoes. Set aside a garden area for artichokes and other perennial vegetables, such as asparagus or rhubarb. These vegetables have similar growing needs and look attractive growing alongside artichokes.