Artichokes-Mmmm!
Here’s what we hope: After working in Sloat Loam Builder you planted your little artichoke plants in a sunny, well-draining spot in the back of the beds this spring. They should be at least a foot across by now and need to be watered deeply once a week. Artichokes love the warm days and cool nights of the peninsula but hot, dry conditions will destroy their tenderness; they may need partial sun in Marin and Danville.
Here’s what we hope: After working in Sloat Loam Builder you planted your little artichoke plants in a sunny, well-draining spot in the back of the beds this spring. They should be at least a foot across by now and need to be watered deeply once a week. Artichokes love the warm days and cool nights of the peninsula but hot, dry conditions will destroy their tenderness; they may need partial sun in Marin and Danville.
Blast aphids off with a strong jet of water, and protect from cheeky snails and earwigs by applying Sluggo Plus. Fertilize with Maxsea All Purpose, Fish emulsion or Worm Tea. Artichokes look great planted among “Apricot Chiffon” California poppies, Achillea “Paprika”, and Agastache “Pink”. They will get four feet tall and wide by the end of summer.
Harvest the edible buds while they are still tight and plump, they will ‘squeak’ slightly when squeezed. Cut about 1½ inches below the bud base and use immediately or refrigerate as soon as possible. After picking the last bud of the first harvest cut the plant back to 1”-2” above the ground. New sprouts will form at the base of the plant for a second harvest.
When bud production slows down (4-5 years) divide these perennial plants in the fall. With a sharp knife cut the offsets, taking as many roots as possible without damaging the parent plant. Amend new planting holes with Loam Builder or Planting Mix, add Sure Start, plant the offsets and let the rainy season establish a strong root system for next spring’s harvest.
