When I was a young child, my favorite food was artichokes. The problem was, they were a rare treat in our house, available only during a short window, and very expensive compared to other vegetables that were available during the 1980s.
As an adult, artichokes are still my favorite food. Now, they are available at the grocery store for most of the year. Unfortunately, they continue to be quite expensive, so imagine my delight when I learned I could grow artichokes in my own garden!
Historically, artichokes have been a perennial plant that grows in warmer climates, usually Zone 6-11 (Cornell Growing Guide). Newer hybrids, though, can be grown in northern climates as annuals, however they do need a little extra care to get them started.
Varieties
Two varieties that I have had success with in the Canton/Potsdam area are Imperial Star and Tavor. Colorado Star is an additional variety that should grow well here, and the have a fun purple color!
Timing
I order my seeds in December-January from Johnny’s Selected Seeds in Maine. Artichokes take a long time to grow, so I sow the artichoke seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost date. For me, that’s usually around early March. I use soil blocks to start, but a small 2-inch pot could work too. Once the seedlings get big enough, I repot them into a larger pot, around 6 inches.
Stratification
Growing artichokes as annuals in northern NY means that there will be no overwintering. Instead, we need to trick the plant into thinking it’s gone through the winter. The newer hybrids have a shorter window for overwintering than older varieties. According to Johnny’s Selected Seeds, “Artichokes need 10 days of 45–50°F (7.2–10°C) temperatures to induce budding.” In the North Country, I’ve been able to do this by carefully putting my seedlings out on cold, but not freezing days and nights.
I transplant outside once any danger of frost has passed, usually around Memorial Day. The spacing is 2–3′ apart in rows 3–6′ apart.
