What Is Good to Plant Around Artichokes?

Sunflowers

• Sunflower plants take time to grow and develop a full seedhead. If you plant it on the south side of the artichoke, as the plant grows, the leafy stem will shade the artichoke from the heat of the midday sun. The sunflower grows higher than the artichoke and will continue to grow after you harvest the buds from the artichoke plant.

Tarragon

• Not only does tarragon taste good when cooked in a butter sauce served with artichokes, but it grows well as a companion plant near the artichoke. The finely leafed and upright plant thrives in temperatures between 35 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the same as the artichokes. Tarragon does not mind growing in partial shade, so it will still grow in the shade of the much larger artichoke plant.

Cucumbers

• Cucumber plants grow well around the base of the artichoke plant, making use of the empty space. Like artichokes, cucumbers require a consistent source of water but with well-draining soil to keep up with the heavy leaf production and then subsequent fruit production.

Lettuce

• Lettuce is another cool-weather crop that grows easily in the presence of the large artichoke plant. As the cooler weather warms during the summer, the lettuce plant slows its growth, similar to the artichoke plant. You can harvest both plants around the same time and then plant them again in the late summer for a fall crop.