artichoke

Artichokes need moist but not soggy soil and should be watered deeply. The best way to water is to give the plant a deep watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather. During periods of very hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, but adjust accordingly as over-watering can cause the plant to become stressed and potentially rot. The easiest way to tell when to water is to feel the soil before you water. If the soil is dry, that's when your plant needs watering. However, to ensure your plant stays as healthy as possible, it helps to stick to a regular schedule.

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group)) grows best in full sun and should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day, but no more than 10 hours. The amount of sunlight they need varies throughout the growth cycle, with more sunlight during periods of active vegetative growth and flowering, and less direct sun during periods of winter dormancy and seed production. If your artichoke plants are grown in too much shade, they will become stunted and not produce as much foliage or flowers.

When: Artichokes should be pruned in late winter or very early spring, when the plants are still dormant. How much: When pruning artichokes, always prune back 1-third of the plant’s height. Cut off any dead foliage and any shoots that have not budded. Cut off any flower buds that have started to form. Make sure to leave some healthy growth and don’t cut into the main stem or roots of the plant.