Artichoke Cultivation Manual

Artichokes are a type of plant in the thistle family that can be eaten. In most contexts, when you hear the phrase "artichokes growing," you can assume that the speaker is referring to the cultivation or growth of artichoke plants. What does this term mean? Here's a quick rundown:

• Growing artichokes requires starting with young plants, or transplants, rather than seeds. Depending on the circumstances, they can be planted either in well-prepared soil or in containers.

• Growing healthy artichoke plants requires some specialized attention. They thrive in consistently moist, well-drained soil that receives full sun. For successful plant growth, it's crucial to supply enough water and soil.

• Artichokes are best for eating when picked when their bloom buds are still small and soft. The artichoke stems should be snipped just below the blossom root. The heart and the fleshy bud are the edible parts.

• During the course of a single growing season, artichoke plants are capable of producing numerous buds, the largest of which serves as the plant's new growth. After harvesting the initial bud, additional buds may grow and can also be harvested.

• Artichoke plants are perennials, so they can be replanted year after year to continue producing flowers. If you want your plants to survive the season and into next year, you need to give them the attention they need.

• Artichokes are a versatile vegetable that may be used in a wide range of salads, dips, and other appetizers. Most people eat the soft center and the leaves.

In order to get the benefits of growing artichokes, gardeners should familiarize themselves with the plant's unique needs. When you say "artichokes are growing," you could mean anything from planting to harvesting, or you could just mean that artichokes are being cared for in a garden or farm.