Growing Artichokes: 3 Tips For Encouraging Bud Development
Artichoke plants are perennials that perform best when grown at temperatures between 45-85°F. The ideal daytime growing temperature for artichokes is 75°F, while the ideal nighttime temperature is 55°F. When temperatures rise above 86°F, the quality of artichokes often declines. The challenge of growing artichokes in areas with Mediterranean climates is ensuring a long cool to warm but not hot growing season so buds have a chance to develop before temperatures rise. Early hot temperatures negatively affect bud production. In many areas of California, artichoke buds are harvested in late spring to early summer.
- For gardeners in areas warm to hot inland area, ensure that artichoke plants grow in partial shade. When not grown in partial shade, when temperatures rise above 75° for more than several days, provide shade cloth to keep plants cool while buds are maturing.
- Provide ample water while the buds are forming, and during hot and particularly dry weather. Do not water artichokes excessively as artichokes are sensitive to excessive moisture and may scum to root or crown rot in overly wet soils.
- After harvest, cut back older stalks to encourage the smaller stalks and buds to develop.
Additional tip: in many warm to hot inland valleys, artichoke plants may go dormant during the hot summer season. After harvest, plants are “stumped;” that is, plants are cut back to the ground. Allow the stumped plants to rest without irrigation for several weeks. Then begin to water. In some areas perennial artichoke plants can go dormant for extended periods in the summer. Once plants begin to grow again, continue watering and provide supplemental nitrogen to encourage regrowth.
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