Accent artichoke’s silvery gray-green leaves by planting it in a container make of concrete or metal. Or create a bold contrast by selecting colorful containers in saturated shades of blue, red, or orange.
Caring For Artichoke Plants
Though artichoke is native to areas of South America, it appreciates Mediterranean-type growing conditions: lots of sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun is best), average to low relative humidity, and well-drained soil. (Soggy soil will likely damage the plant’s crown and root system.) Give artichokes plenty of room to grow by planting them every 4 to 6 feet in rows that are about 6 to 8 feet apart. Water plants well for a couple of weeks after planting, then add a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch to reduce weeds and help keep soil-moisture levels consistent. Adding a time-release fertilizer into the holes at planting time can help the plants, especially if your garden has nutrient-poor soil. Other than watering artichoke during times of drought, it requires little other care. Each artichoke produces shoots that invade the parent plant’s space, reducing the amount of light the parent gets. Maintain a vigorous crop of artichokes by dividing the plants every few years. Use a sharp gardening knife to separate rooted shoots, then dig them up with a spade.
