Artichoke Plants

Artichoke Plants FAQs

Take a look at some of the frequently asked questions we receive from those looking to buy Artichoke Plants in the UK. You can  contact our Customer Service Team or browse our general FAQs for further advice.

When to plant Artichoke Plants

The best time to plant artichoke plants in the UK is in spring, typically from March to May, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. If you’re planting from seeds, start them indoors in February or March, and transplant them outdoors once the seedlings are strong and the weather has warmed. If you’re planting young plants or crowns, you can plant them directly in the ground in late spring, once the soil is workable and well-drained. Artichokes prefer a mild climate, so it's important to wait for warmer weather to ensure healthy growth.

How to Plant Artichoke Plants

To plant artichoke plants, choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil, ideally enriched with organic compost for better fertility. Start by loosening the soil to a depth of around 30 cm (12 inches) and mix in compost to improve drainage. If planting from seeds, start them indoors in early spring (February or March), and transplant them outdoors once they are strong enough and the risk of frost has passed, usually in late spring (May). For planting from crowns or young plants, dig holes about 60 cm (24 inches) apart and plant them at the same depth as in their pots, ensuring adequate spacing. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture, avoiding waterlogging. Adding mulch around the base helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool. With proper care, artichokes will grow vigorously and be ready for harvest by the summer.

How long do Artichoke Plants take to grow

Artichoke plants typically take about 2 to 3 years to reach full maturity and start producing harvestable buds. If you're planting from seeds, it may take around 6 to 8 months for the plants to grow strong enough for harvesting the first season's buds, but these are usually smaller. For plants started from crowns or young plants, you'll often see buds in the first growing season, typically in late summer or early autumn. However, the plants will become fully productive and produce larger, more abundant buds after their second or third year of growth. Artichokes can live for several years, producing annual harvests once established.

Why Grow Artichoke Plants?

Growing artichoke plants is a great way to add a unique and delicious vegetable to your garden. Artichokes are not only a tasty addition to meals but also a nutritious one, rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. These plants are hardy and can produce multiple harvests once established, making them a valuable long-term investment in your garden. Artichokes are also visually striking, with their large, spiky leaves and purple or green buds, adding an ornamental touch to any garden. Furthermore, they are low-maintenance once established and thrive in sunny, well-drained locations, making them an excellent choice for those looking to grow a plant that is both beautiful and practical.

Where can you grow Artichoke Plants?

Artichoke plants can be grown in sunny locations with well-drained, fertile soil. They thrive in light, sandy loam or rich, compost-enriched soil and prefer full sun to produce the best yields. Artichokes are ideal for growing in vegetable gardens, raised beds, or large containers, as long as the soil drains well and they are given enough space to grow. They do best in mild climates and are hardy in regions where temperatures don’t regularly dip below freezing, making them suitable for areas with temperate conditions. For gardeners in colder regions, artichokes can be grown in greenhouses or as annuals. They need good air circulation and space between plants to ensure healthy growth and prevent diseases.

Why Buy Artichoke Plants from Marshalls?

• Our customers are supported by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable advice. You can also use our growing guides, backed by 70 years of experience, to get the best results from your Artichoke Plants and other plants.
• You can contact us six days a week – including bank holidays – to discuss our products and services or to chat about all things gardening.
• We pride ourselves on offering fast delivery on all orders, with any 'in stock' plants and seeds sent out within three working days. We're green-fingered in more ways than one, too, thanks to our fully recyclable packaging.
• We won second place at the 2022 Great British Growing Awards for Best Online Retailer.
• Thousands of five-star reviews on Trustpilot and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products show that we're a company you can trust.