How to Fertilize Artichokes

Artichokes come from the edible flower buds of the artichoke thistle plant. They grow as perennials in most areas, returning each year to produce more flower buds and flowers. They may die off if left unprotected in climates where the soil remains frozen for most of the winter, but you can still grow them as an annual since they flower the first year after planting. Proper fertilization ensures the plants produce an abundance of flower buds so you can enjoy the harvest all season long.

Soil test kit
Agricultural lime
16-16-8 fertilizer
Shovel or tiller
21-0-0 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Test the soil with a soil testing kit to determine the pH prior to planting. Artichokes prefer a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Follow the test kit instructions to determine pH and determine if the bed requires a lime amendment prior to planting.
- 2
  Spread agricultural limestone over the artichoke bed at the rate recommended by the soil test. Spread ½ lb. of 16-16-8 blend fertilizer over 100 square feet of bed, placing it on top the lime amendment.
- 3
  Turn the lime and fertilizer into the soil with a spade or tiller. Mix the amendments with the top 6 inches of soil.
- 4
  Fertilize the artichokes once a month when the plant is actively growing, beginning a month after planting in spring or after new growth emerges in spring. Apply 2 tsp. of 21-0-0 fertilizer to the soil around each artichoke plant. Sprinkle the fertilizer 3 to 6 inches away from the base of the stem then water the garden thoroughly after application.
- 5
  Feed the artichokes with the 21-0-0 fertilizer until the first buds begin to form. Artichokes typically require no additional fertilization once they begin forming flower buds, and too much fertilizer can result in lots of foliage but minimal bud production.

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