Artichokes are usually grown for the edible flower buds, which are harvested before the flowers open. The suitable size is a pot of 24-inches as this will give the plant enough space for growing. I hope to share the incredible lessons learned and make things a lot easier for you out in the organic vegetable garden. Garden Mama: Ok looking back on this I was really very angry, and I still feel violated but the rage has subsided. The plants are large growing between 4 ½ and 6 ½ feet tall. I need to find out if you cut them back and just how much. Other Related Vegetable Gardening Posts: I love eating them and growing them for the flowers. across to allow for growth. Artichoke plants are herbaceous perennials that are members of the Asteraceae family, a group that includes thistles, dandelions, and sunflowers.They are short-lived perennials in warmer climates but are normally grown as annuals in cooler regions. Germination is going well, as it did before, but I’m just nervous about drowning these babies, if that’s what I did. Suzanne. I too am from Calif and LOVE artichokes. I live in Wisconsin but was born and raised in California, so chokes are like my potatoes – I gotta have them! Well, I am going to present a detailed tutorial that will give you a detailed insight about growing artichokes in pots. Globe Artichokes are round, measuring fat 4-5 inches in diameter. Appel: This is amazing. I’ve started the choke seed long ago however; they appear to be damping off and dying so I think I’m watering them too much. I didn’t know anyone who has grown chokes and was very relieved to find you on the Internet. Most cold-climate artichoke gardeners simply grow artichokes as annuals, starting over their crop with seeds or transplanting mature plants into their garden every spring. Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening; Easy Does It! Globe artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes are entirely different plants. Some cultivars are maintained by suckers and… In zone 7 and warmer, they are perennial. Sow seed in March and April 13mm (½in) deep in a seedbed, sowing two or three seeds per station, with 25-30cm (10-12in) in and between the rows. In many areas growing globe artichokes is a bit of a stretch for the backyard gardener, but that doesn’t stop an increasing number, including myself, from trying their hand at cultivating this interesting gourmet vegetable crop. Wasn’t looking forward to building a frame for cover if I don’t need to. Start annual seeds indoors about 8 weeks prior to the last frost-free date for your area. Don’t even think about a one gallon, and the artichoke probably wouldn’t feel comfortable in a five gallon container either. And, how do they bloom, do they open up by themselves, how old to they have to be???? Blue mold doesn’t sound good and I haven’t seen that before! They can grow up to 3 feet long. Heavy snows in NE AZ MTNS. Growing-Vegetables-in-Containers, I’ve never grown artichokes before. You’re welcome Michelle, I’ll try to address your questions and then leave it open for others to chime in with their own recommendations in the comment section below. Tagged as: Gardening is a wonderful gift that I've developed the hard way... through trial and error! Any information would be much appreciated and thank you for your time. What are your thoughts? Coolsox , Mar 27, 2013 I’ve got a bunch around 4 ft. tall that are loving our monsoon! I lightly fertilized them when they grew their first set of “true leaves” with the organic fish fertilizer – did I do this too soon? They seemed pretty happy until I fertilized so I really think I killed them with what I thought was kindness. You are my only hope! Globe-Artichokes, This one’s crazy but; to fool Mother Nature, can I put the babies in the fridge over night? above the soil line in the fall after harvesting is complete, but before freezing temperatures arrive. Annual artichokes are usually started from seed indoors while perennial artichokes are usually purchased as starts. In many areas growing globe artichokes is a bit of a stretch for the backyard gardener, but that doesn’t stop an increasing number, including myself, from trying their hand at cultivating this interesting gourmet vegetable crop.