Jerusalem Artichoke Tuber 'Fuseau'

Artichokes are a striking and productive perennial vegetable that can thrive in the UK, especially in milder climates. Known for their large, globe-shaped flower buds, artichokes are grown for their edible flower heads, which are tender and flavourful when harvested at the right time. Here’s how to grow artichokes in the UK, with tips on soil, planting, care, and harvesting.

 Choosing the Right Variety

In the UK, Globe Artichokes are the most common type grown for their edible flower buds. Some popular varieties include:

• ‘Green Globe’: A reliable, well-known variety that produces large, tender buds.
• ‘Violet de Provence’: Known for its striking purple colour and excellent taste.
• ‘Imperial Star’: A variety that’s suited to UK climates, producing early crops and often grown as an annual.

Artichokes are generally hardy perennials, but in colder regions of the UK, you may need to treat them as annuals or provide winter protection.

Soil Requirements

Artichokes thrive in fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Proper soil preparation is essential for healthy plants and good yields.

• Soil pH: Artichokes prefer slightly alkaline to neutral soil, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. If your soil is too acidic (below pH 6.0), you can raise the pH by adding garden lime.
• Soil texture: Choose loamy or sandy loam soil that’s deep, rich, and well-draining. Artichokes have deep roots, so they require loose, well-aerated soil to grow properly.
• Fertility: Artichokes are heavy feeders and need nutrient-rich soil to grow well. Improve your soil by adding well-rotted compost or manure before planting, which will help improve both fertility and soil structure.

Planting Artichokes

Artichokes are usually grown from young plants or root divisions, but can also be grown from seed in the UK. Starting from young plants or divisions is often quicker and easier, as artichokes can take a long time to mature from seed.

• Planting from divisions or young plants: Plant artichokes in spring (April or May) after the last frost. Ensure the soil is well-prepared and rich in organic matter. Space plants 90 cm apart in rows, as they can grow large.
• Planting from seed: If starting from seed, sow indoors in late winter to early spring (January to March). Sow seeds in a tray, covering them lightly with compost. Keep the temperature at 18-21°C (65-70°F) until the seeds germinate, which can take 7-21 days. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and harden off before planting out after the last frost.

Location and Spacing

Artichokes need plenty of space to grow, as they can become large, bushy plants with wide, deeply lobed leaves.

• Sunlight: Choose a site with full sun, as artichokes require at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to produce good crops.
• Spacing: Artichoke plants can grow up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall and wide, so space plants at least 90 cm apart in rows to allow plenty of room for growth. If growing multiple rows, space rows 1.5 metres apart.

Watering and Mulching

Artichokes require consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, but they do not tolerate waterlogged soil.

• Watering: Water regularly, ensuring the soil is kept moist but not soggy. During dry spells, artichokes need extra water to prevent stress. Water deeply, ensuring the water reaches the roots.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool. Organic mulches like compost or straw are ideal.

Feeding and Fertilising

Artichokes are heavy feeders, meaning they require plenty of nutrients to produce good yields.

• Compost: Enrich the soil with well-rotted compost or manure before planting. This will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant’s first year of growth.
• Fertilising: Once the plants are established, feed them with a balanced fertiliser (with a higher potassium and phosphorus content) in the growing season, especially when the buds are developing. Organic fertilisers like fish emulsion or seaweed extract are also great options.
• Avoid too much nitrogen: While artichokes need a lot of nutrients, be careful not to overdo nitrogen, as too much can result in excessive leafy growth rather than flower bud production.

Pruning and Maintenance

Artichokes benefit from regular maintenance to encourage healthy growth and maximise yields.

• Removing spent flowers: As the flower heads begin to form, remove any spent flowers or damaged parts of the plant to encourage new growth.
• Pruning: In the first year, it is common to cut back the plants after harvesting the buds to encourage new growth for the following year. For perennial varieties, cut the plants back to around 15 cm (6 inches) in late autumn, before the first frost, to prepare them for winter.

Pest and Disease Control

Artichokes can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, although they are generally quite hardy.

• Common pests: Aphids, slugs, snails, and artichoke plumes (a type of moth) can damage the plants. To control pests, use organic methods like spraying with soapy water for aphids or setting up traps for slugs.
• Diseases: Artichokes can suffer from powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plants, and water at the base to keep the foliage dry. If mildew appears, remove affected leaves and treat with an organic fungicide.

Harvesting Artichokes

Artichokes are harvested for their flower buds, which are the edible part of the plant.

• When to harvest: Artichokes should be harvested when the buds are still tightly closed and the scales are firm. If the buds begin to open, they will be tough and inedible. This usually happens in late spring to early summer (May to June in the UK), depending on the variety and climate.
• How to harvest: Cut the buds from the plant using a sharp knife, leaving around 5 cm (2 inches) of stem attached to the bud. Harvest the buds before they bloom to ensure they are tender and flavourful.

Overwintering Artichokes

In the UK, artichokes are generally hardy, but in colder areas, winter protection may be necessary.

• Winter care: In colder climates, especially in northern parts of the UK, protect artichokes over winter by mulching heavily around the base of the plants with straw, leaves, or compost. In milder regions, artichokes can often survive without additional protection.
• For perennial plants: Cut the plants back in autumn to around 15 cm and mulch to help protect them from winter frosts.

These come in a variety of forms, depending on the plant type, and are supplied in a dormant state. They are available only at the optimum time for planting. Where possible we choose the top size and quality grading to help ensure plants will produce great blooms from their first year. On arrival, pot up and keep in a frost-free area or plant into their final position once the risk of frost has passed.

Artichoke plants thrive in rich, well-drained soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH.