How to Grow Artichokes in ANY Climate

More info: www.epicgardening.com/growing... One of our favorite crops and certainly one of the easier perennial veggies to grow, artichokes are a stunning and incredible addition to a home garden. If you're used to growing annual veggies, learning how to grow artichokes is a fantastic way to get into perennial veg.
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - How They Grow
02:03 - Annual Growing In Cold Climates
03:14 - Climate And Watering
04:21 - Growing In Small Spaces
05:41 - Artichoke Varieties
06:35 - Harvest I Spring & Fall
07:53 - Propagation
09:31 - Outro
IN THIS VIDEO
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Epic Gardening occasionally links to goods or services offered by vendors to help you find the best products to care for plants. Some of these may be affiliate links, meaning we earn a small commission if items are purchased. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. More info on our process: www.epicgardening.com/disclai...

[@CElton-mi3il]

I just plant artichokes wherever I see a thistle coming up naturally in my San Diego garden, they seem to thrive in these spots. I do this with a lot of plant relatives whether flowers or vegetables.

[@OKae88]

Wonderful idea

[@JennyNobody]

So smart! Im going to start thinking like this!

[@alysoffoxdale]

Ooh...! Based on this idea, artichokes would loooooove our entire backyard!

[@blackpackhomesteadchrisand7337]

Do unto nature before it does unto you is a philosophy we share. Thank you C. Elton!

[@m.maclellan7147]

Was wondering if they were related to thistles !?

[@montanaliving4769]

I tried them a couple of years ago and was astounded at how well it did in zone 5. This was the last vegie in the garden to freeze! I got 3 artichokes from my first plant!

[@Wolf-E-Romeo]

Is it perennial for you?

[@epicgardening]

That's incredible!

[@montanaliving4769]

@@Wolf-E-Romeo no not way up here, I have only grown green globe because they did so well, I have not tried other types.

[@gardengoddess5606]

I got artichokes on my first year too, and I grew them from seed! Now they’re huge!!

[@plantsoverpills1643]

Zone 5ish here depending on the mood of the weather. After losing several artichokes over the winter a couple years ago, (despite extra mulching,) I came across a variety called “Tavor” which has been bred to produce in the first year. So far the germination rate has only been 10/22 seeds. So we shall see how things progress.

[@tonytran3940]

Been watching and learning a lot about gardening from you. Will be harvesting my very first artichokes in a few more days. Thank you!

[@anneharrington7951]

In northern Ohio i grow artichoke from seeds in the exact way you mentioned. Start indoors in winter. After they get several inches tall, i pit them in the sunny window of my unheated, glassed in porch. Mostly between 32 degrees and 50 degrees for a good 6 weeks. Magnificent results.

[@PaintAllThat]

Thanks! I should try! Zone 4/5.

[@FrenchFifi65]

Thanks for the great video ! Last season I successfully grew two different types of artichokes in my zone 6A garden (Mile High). The only issue we had was an invasion of black aphids. We tried spraying them off daily and finally were lucky enough to find ladybugs. We released 1000 ladybugs at dusk as directed. After a couple of days we were discouraged to not see many ladybugs and still see aphids. Low and behold, by the end of the first week, we started seeing more ladybugs and less aphids. After a couple of weeks the aphids were completely gone and we saw a lot of ladybug larvae:) Love those ladybugs. Don’t get discouraged if you get aphids when trying to grow artichokes. We harvested at least 15 off of 4 strong plants before our season ended.

[@kathleen9929]

We get earwigs. One tip is to soak the artichoke in a pail of water to force the earwigs out. I just noticed some ants on my chokes today which must mean aphids somewhere. Water treatment doesn't work so good with ants as they can hold their breath underwater (or so it seems).

[@ryanpichulo5047]

We are currently growing 500 plants as a first attempt. This video was very helpful.

[@OsirusHandle]

howd you go?

[@julesgoh]

Don’t get me wrong. I love Jacques and Chris, but it’s so nice to see this video - brings me back to when I first subscribed to your channel - nostalgic ☺️ and love Babka’s guest appearances! 😻

[@epicgardening]

These style videos will never leave the channel!

[@julesgoh]

@@epicgardening Yay!

[@johnliberty3647]

I listened as I gardened and KZbin kept putting you up as the next video and it looks like I gardened through 5 of your videos and 3 of them were an hour plus. Your voice is perfect for garden while you work. If a visual is important I can walk over to my computer and watch it. I can only listen with in bluetooth range so I put all my gardening in range of my computer. It doesn't matter if it's a video from a year ago, the wisdom of garden experience is just gives me good vibes. I like how your videos go straight to the point with no intro music or silly frills which makes your videos great for long term listening.

[@Fromseedtoharvest]

Thank you SO much for this! This is my first year ever trying to grow artichokes because I absolutely love them!

[@ivacheung792]

That cat now owns both you and your garden.

[@jotaroslegs2345]

I am so glad Bob came and joined your garden. Thanks for the info. I may have to try growing an Artichoke this year.

[@levitillman3273]

You're so awesome!!!! The timeliness of your videos can be so perfect for socal growers.

[@nenemaria-cornfieldsgarden]

I wish I had room to grow them just for the flowers, they're magnificent! May have to try and squeeze on in a container somewhere to control the size, thanks for sharing that tip. Ps. Fully approve of the random cat featuring in videos, she's made herself right at home ;)

[@LindsayHaven]

+1 for the cat approval. 🤣

[@stina5293]

I came for the artichokes but stayed for the cute kitty cat 🐱

[@jdawg1835]

We're in SoCal (10b zone). We have 5 in the parkway native soil between the sidewalk and the curb. Out of all the veggies in our garden this one is the best bang for the buck (dinosaur kale coming in a close 2nd). Planted once and every year the yield increases. We don't water them. We don't feed them. We have enough to share with zero effort.

[@Apostate_ofmind]

thats amazing 😂 basically foraging at home!

[@drea4195]

Also in zone 10 SoCal; do you have problems with gophers? I have to plant my chokes in gopher cages, or they'll eat them from underneath.

[@jdawg1835]

@@drea4195 Above ground diggers don't mess with them, but we don't have gophers.

[@claudiasalter1017]

Oh my gosh, Sone 9B, South Florida here. I have 2 big pots in the garden, but after watching your video, I will be adding some to the yard. We love artichokes, and can't wait to be able to harvest some!

[@fatherofchickens7951]

4b here. This was my "lets give it a try" plant last year. Was surprised how well it did witth almost neglect. And now i'm adding four more to my garden. My new favorite thing to grow!

[@elizabethraworth64]

5a here. I think I will give them a try.

[@epicgardening]

Well done!

[@PaintAllThat]

Hoping to try in zone 4/5 next year.

[@garthwunsch7320]

zone 4a north central Ontario. did your chokes overwinter under mulch?

[@fatherofchickens7951]

@@garthwunsch7320 sadly no. I’m going to try wood chip mulch this year 🤷‍♂️

[@annalynn9325]

Happy you did a artichoke-specific video with all the details for planting, harvesting and propagating 😃

[@tammyohlsson7966]

Perfect timing, thank you. Mine are growing well, hopefully I will get some fruit this year. Blessings!

[@hopsletscottage4320]

Thank you for sharing this video, learning so much from your videos. Watching from Lesotho in Southern Africa. I started with two artichokes this season, gave one to a friend to see how will do in their garden...........your tips definitely come in handy and will be adding some mulch this winter.

[@azoe6764]

I remember how beautiful the artichoke fields were when I visited California. Would be fun to try growing some

[@azure5273]

I can't put into words on how grateful I am that this video showed up on my recommended. I subscribed quite recently after I got myself into a gardening hyperfixation, in an apartment, with an arid climate. Had killed quite a bunch of vegetables by leaving them in midday heat. 39°c. Oops. I was hoping to transfer some of your tips from a whole garden to a few pots and containers, and this was exactly what I was searching for. The weather here failed me. Yesterday the temperature dropped from 32°c-23°c to 27°c-15°c. Overnight. And I figured might not be able to grow much of my desired crops since we most likely be having single digits and negative Celsius in a couple of months. But this video gave me hope. I'm certainly going to search more about similar tips on growing other crops as well. It sounds funny and exaggerating but you don't know how much you made my day. May your crops flourish bro!

[@olefosshaug5565]

I am maybe a bit late to the game but I will try it this year, spring frost is something we have a lot of here in Norway so hopefully frost nights is enough to trigger the blooming. Great video!

[@justawfulgamer7738]

I just bought artichoke seeds the other day.... Perfect timing

[@callikohl7603]

I have been wanting to grow artichokes and very much appreciate this video.

[@Demebeso714]

Wowwww great topic for this video.. I will definitely try this.. you never let me down.. Neverrrrrr...

[@anthonyshea5946]

Our neighbor has artichokes growing and I’ve been wanting to get a few going for eating. Great info- just what I’ve been needing to make my decision to take the leap or not.

[@checat001]

Thanks as always for the inspiration. I hope you will consider making a video when you start to separate and replant/ repot.

[@sn232]

Grows great in an Earthbox! Cover with multiple layers of winter row cover, and mulch the base with 6-8" of pine shavings or whatever you like to use.

[@jasminthiaa]

I was wondering why my artichoke didn't send up a flower stalk 1st year, very informative! I have quite a few cardoon plants and have ate the leaves (the stalk part) in a soup, it resembled a mixture of asparagus/artichoke flavor. It was a great "hunger gap" veg in my garden (zone 7a). I look forward to hopefully having an artichoke!

[@debihediger4760]

We are growing Cardoon this year, can’t wait to try it.

[@helen2061]

Great info, Eric. I have grown them from seed just because I love the leaves...but too shady for the plants to mature...still gorgeous in a flower bed!

[@pascalxus]

This is so awesome! I just ordered some artichoke seeds!

[@davidthegood]

Very good explanation, Kevin. I just ended up with eight potted artichokes and have no idea what to do with them!

[@rawdata678]

I have a Sea of cardoons around my home in central Italy, they are a Little tricky to Cook and process but they make a great plate in the oven with cheese.

[@cathymadsen2930]

Lost all of mine in a heavy tropical storm that lasted a week.... I'm going to do mine in slightly raised bed this time.... but I grow them for flowers and chickens LOVE the leaves!

[@creative_grassrootsgarden]

Awesome video! Very inspiring and helpful advice. I'm going to try growing some artichokes. Thanks💚🌱

[@xvgonzales]

Thank You!!!!! I just placed my order for pre chilled artichoke plants. They ship them up until April 12. I almost missed my opportunity. I cant wait. I might leave one to go to flower and see if I can't have a self sustaining plant

[@silverlining929]

Thank you! Great information!

[@loygreen]

Thank you very much for this. Please do a follow up as your crops progress .

[@azpeach5680]

Bahahaha!!! Loved the kitty! Omg I had no idea how easy artichokes were!! And beautiful!

[@miccabelke9654]

Great info! Love your vids and I must say I want to see more of Babka!

[@MrJoseSoplar]

I vote for that....more Babka.

[@alwaysgofwd]

So helpful, thank you! Wish I'd known about the cold trick before planting. At least I'll know why they don't produce this year though. 🙃 Now if I can just figure out what's eating my seedling.

[@buneary1000]

Kitty, so cute. Happy to be moving to a house for this summer and starting my garden with your guidance and letting my kitty and bunny wander around (hopefully they don't eat everything).

[@swankshire6939]

its recommended to keep cats inside, not for their safety but for the safety of all the other animal outside. cats kill a LOT of animals. ive had them bring chipmunks in my house alive and had to catch them. the final straw was stepping on a tiny liver from what i dont know. And id worry about a eagle getting your bunny

[@m.maclellan7147]

@@swankshire6939 they can try a bell on the cat, but, many cats figure out how to slip out of the collar when you put a bell on it ! (Important note: cat collars SHOULD have Elastic in them so cat doesn't get caught up on things. Sadly, they figure this out quickly!) I haven't had an indoor/outdoor cat for many, many years. One of the "last straws" was a well loved cat we had got accidently poisoned by antifreeze when my family was out of the country burying my father. The person house sitting was not knowledgeable about pets, drained his antifreeze, the phone rang (landline ! It was early 1980's !) and he ran in to grab it. As soon as he came out he saw 3 cats drinking it - our cat & 2 of the neighbors cats. He yelled at them to "shoo" them away, and they ran, but then he couldn't catch them to take to the Veterinarian! :( He was SO crushed that this happened. It takes less then a teaspoon to poison a cat. It is sweet tasting as well.

[@epicgardening]

Congrats on the house!

[@buneary1000]

@@swankshire6939 Definitely will not be letting them out on their own, only when we are outside. We also will be putting a collar on the cat, maybe a bell and tracker.

[@mothturtle7897]

@@buneary1000 you could build a catio!

[@johnbrownlee5213]

It's funny that you posted this because for the first time ever I'm growing artichoke this year. Starting them from seed and they're about 1.5 inches tall

[@robertcoulson483]

Well done!

[@glomontero6011]

Just got 1, so thanks for the info. Now I know what to do with it.

[@stephaniavanvolkenburg5424]

You probably ought to read up on propagating artichokes as it's done in many greenhouses. (EDIT TO ADD...Boy that sounds rude but my tone is not ment to be. Sorry) The easiest way I know to do it is soak your seeds in water starting out with warm for about 12 hours Then you put some damp medium in a small container in about January or February where I live in 7 B, or about10 to 12 weeks before your last frost, if you have a cool place to keep them, or about six to eight weeks if you do not have an Sunny but cool place to keep after they are planted out. Lay your seeds in the damp growing medium in something like a sandwich container with a cover, half filled of medium.. Cover with more damp medium and place in the fridge. Your seeds will be very slow to start, and at the end of two months will have barely any root growth and no upper growth. Print them out in their individual pots and grow in a cool area, but not freezing and grow to transplanting size. Then the only think you need to keep cool is a sandwich size container and not an entire seed flat of starts that also have to be kept in the Sun I personally like to do it about eight weeks before and then just put them out on the north side of the building to acclimatize to the Sun while not allowing the soil to overheat As they grow move them to a more suitable location or plant out in the garden and they'll think they've already went through their first winter

[@TheStwat]

I love how the cat has adopted you. :)

[@let_uslunch8884]

Looks simple enough.

[@melanieallen8980]

good information..Cheers from Australia. 😊

[@horasan50]

Great job Mama 👏👏👏❤️

[@dianebaum5194]

I live in Long Beach ca - my husband is planting g in a wine barrel. It’s June 3. Hope it grows!

[@SgtRudySmithbRet]

I just planted 8 chokes! I can't wait

[@rebeccabeard2964]

Babka! 🤣 ...Thanks for the advice. Definitely excited to try artichokes this year!

[@christophervanmeier1648]

Up in North Cali, ours grow like a weed Something that would be helpful would be a variety or methods and ways to prepare and serve them, beyond theleave dipped in mayo...though I love that.

[@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice]

You don't know how much I love you right now this is my first year let me rephrase that this is my first two months in gardening and I so wanted to plant artichokes and was upside down because I don't know how and I love them maybe you can do a video on asparagus too LOL I'm watching all your videos so I don't have the first year fail thank you so very much for all your informative videos you make it possible for me

[@Wolf-E-Romeo]

As someone that has been gardening for years, there will always be garden fails. But dont let that get you down, thats how we learn. His videos are amazing to learn from. Each year i try a few new things and see what i like, theres always a fail each year, but thats led me to get better. First year of corn, i had 1 stalk out of 30 germinate. I knew i did it wrong, but was hoping it was enough. It wasnt. Second year, i watered WAYYYY more and gave it WAYYY more sun. I got approx 75 Stalks.... but then they were little babies and i tried to have them grow more, but instead they dried out to seed. From what i learned the past 2 years, im going to try to apply a better method to them. I also learned that my sandy soil will not hold them up during wind. That was another issue last year. So ill put them in a bed with a tinsy bit more clay and hope their anchor roots and actually grab onto something substancial. You have to just keep trying and figuring out whats best for your situation. :) every climate is different, all soils are different. Theres a lot to learn, and a lot of failing you have to push through. But there will always be next year. Man, lettuce. When i first started gardening, i could not understand why my lettuce was just AWFUL. It had too much sun, not enough water. It bolted. It was bitter. But now i understand that it doesnt really like heat and needs more water than it was obtaining. Theres always going to be hiccups. You just have to keep at it. You can see kevins fails in his older videos. ;) we all have to fail in order to learn. You got this. I believe in you!

[@FairyChild_For_Freedom-Justice]

@@Wolf-E-Romeo 😌 wow I copy and paste this comment this way when I do have that fail which yeah I know I will I'll read this comment and keep pulling forward thank you very much for all the kind words it's something you don't find out on the internet I appreciate everything you said and with you as my cheerleader rah rah I hope I got this thank you again

[@epicgardening]

You got this!

[@LittleKi1]

Oooooh, gonna have to try a grow bag artichoke!

[@marcus12334]

Thats why it's called Arti_Chokes ... as it age, it chokes imself ;-) Seriously, I live in Canada, zone 5b, and i tried artichokes last year. Out off my 8 plants, i got 2 flowers. Last fall, i cut them down and put a good layer off straw cover with a plastic wrap. Hope it will have survived winter, we got -30 Celsius this winter. I read somewhere that it can survive -10 no problemo. Keep up the good works, love your youtube chanels and podcast, i love what you do, have a nice day to you all

[@periplanetamissionary]

Please do a video on growing and propagate the Prickly Pear cactus (Opuntia erinacea)

[@OWK000]

My "improved green globe" flowered it's first year from a store bought 4" pot. I live in coastal California (45 min from the coast). I have the artichoke in southern exposure. They really go off. They do go dormant and die back completely during dry summers and start growing as fall rain starts. I have been fertilizing with urine and oystershell lime, but my hearts have been a little skimpy, so I have just starting making bone meal for them. I find it is really important to let the artichokes get mature enough and then you will get flesh on the "petals" even if the hearts are skimpy. Mulching with the weeded out grass has really helped. It is important that they don't dry out in the spring when they are fruiting. It's been great fun beautifying my front yard and wonderful to eat.

[@hannahsnyder2997]

I'm in zones 5b/6a and have always been too timid to try. I guess if its a freeze they want, we can certainly manage that lol :D

[@TobyRobb]

Some cat language for you. Slow closing of the eyes is the cat equivalent of the smile. You can do it back. It means they trust you. Flicking of the tail means they're a bit cranky. They like to watch and learn. They also use body language a bit to communicate EG they might lay down on the ground in a shape of an animal to communicate what they saw outside. They might keep pointing there ears and looking in a direction to let you know they hear or see something. They want to be patted but it also makes them angry so there's a time limit. They have glands on the nose and glands at the base of the tail which they want to rub on you to spread scent so they like to be groomed there as well. Whether you like her or not, she considers you part of the family and so they will be pretty loyal.

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate this!

[@gardengoddess5606]

Thank you, great to know, we just adopted two kitties almost a year ago and it’s been fun watching them grow into their own personalities!! I’m going to watch for these signs that you spoke of.

[@TobyRobb]

@@gardengoddess5606 I learnt some of this from a book called "Claws and purrs" and lots from observation. Cats can be a little misunderstood because they have their own language ☺️

[@krisbaker9427]

We eat cauliflower and broccoli flowers in an immature state. Love this video.

[@montanaliving4769]

We do as well because they just taste so good!

[@riyarachna484]

You have a very beautiful cat for real, actually I first came here for artichokes but now I for this beautiful adorable looking cat.😅

[@TheJpaul999]

cardoons are great. Now that I see I can grow one in a grow bag, I'm going to do it

[@amandabrown9940]

Eliot Coleman calls his artichokes "eat your heart out California" 🤣 He's such a treasure.

[@epicgardening]

LOL

[@rhondagirard5472]

Love listening to you. Just starting gardening and I am wondering what would be best veggies to grow for beginners in hopes of anything really growing. I live in zone 6b in north New Mexico (Santa Fe). I would be grateful for any help in regards to this. Thanks Kevin!

[@51rwyatt]

Great video. I live in Maine and have been studying how to do chokes here. Sadly my efforts this year may be a bust; no germination indoors after 29 days...

[@PaintAllThat]

I'm in NH. Hoping to try in 2024.

[@sweetness_612]

Luv ur channel. I was wondering if u could do a video on apt. Patio growing plants or something...thx so much❤👍💯 p.s. midwest

[@silverfox4055]

Babka looks very similar to my cat Bitsy! I had to do a double take when I saw her on screen 😅

[@tompatchak8706]

I just planted done for Granny. In a weird container thing from work.

[@davidjamgochian]

Happy April Fool Day Awesome thanks for the next time

[@wonderfulherennow]

Oh Cato, so cuto! Podgy Bobka🤗

[@mgstrip]

great video

[@peterk7428]

Just saw artichokes in my garden store, guess I'll grab a few.

[@benderaviation]

I love these plants. They just stick around for years without any special care in our zone. Not to mention they spread out after you let them flower so you get a bunch of free plants.

[@fromseedtobloommedia9340]

I just plant my seedlings out in the spring and mid to late summer I have an artichoke, soon after a flower, never knew it’s supposed to go through vernalization, and I’m in zone 8a Atlant, Ga.

[@Levi-he6nj]

I love artichoke. Idk qhy, but it is simple to steam cook them and I like to dip in melted butter

[@rickeshpatel4025]

My artichokes are like weeds. I took down 3 out of 5 and 2 more grew right back. I had artichokes in late fall/early winter and letting 2 go to bloom now with 6-7 more to harvest soon. They produced within first planting incredibly fast and is doing so again. I cut the artichoke stock down as someone suggested on KZbin and perhaps that allowed it to grow back so quick?

[@carolfreeman2962]

Hollandaise! Dip it that!

[@karenjohnson9941]

Do you have a video on how you use your washing machine grey water for gardening?

[@thesilentone4024]

You should try growing rice in dry conditions and select the best ones to replant its seeds. Thoughts.

[@catmaaske1908]

In zone 9 and put my artichoke in a half barrel and the tap root broke through the bottom and anchored into the soil. I had to cut off the tap and moved it to a better spot. Came right back the next season.

[@blasebaker]

I love artichokes. I use the hearts to make artichoke omelets.

[@shirgo5700]

I got a free packet of Cardoon from a seed shop. They are giant plants, over 6' tall sometimes and just as wide. I wish I had planted it in a different spot because they keep coming back even though I chopped down the original plant.

[@tangocat4370]

I love babka!

[@chrixthegreat]

I am starting two artichoke plants in 5 gallon buckets. I am trying to grow them hydroponically under one mars hyro 600 each. If it works, I may do a video showing how I accomplished it.

[@dawnbrady152]

In Louisiana we stuff artichokes. So good...Shrimp stuffed artichokes.

[@epicgardening]

Omg

[@mogyui2902]

I dont kn9w how to harvest and eat them. But they have awesome foliage and flowers

[@marta77inf]

Some grower has huge plants here. In Indio. Mine are taking forever to grow. I live near Palm Springs.

[@kimberlyalexiou6989]

Loving the video, BUT! The grey water system, have you experienced residual soaps in the water affecting the health of your plants?

[@Artsouls1111]

It’s official Babka is part of the Epic Gardening Fam.

[@trishdavi7049]

Have you done or could you do an episode specific to loofah?

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

I hope I can grow this in my garden, I'm in zone 5A.

[@kathleen9929]

My second year plant is yielding an abundance of chokes, but I did not cut buds so they are all small. Good to know to pick before they start to open. Also, the fact that you can cut stalks back and maybe get something in the Fall. What happens if you allow them to fully bloom? I did not fertilize, but maybe the sheep compost did the trick. I have mine in a raised bed in zone 9.

[@SonOfAGun1814]

aww vodka is so cute! hi kitty!

[@gardenofpetals54]

I'm in 9b CA and didn't know about cutting them back, so this year, so the new stalks with fruit are falling over. Thank you for this video. What about fertilizing? Do they not need any fertilizing?

[@blackpackhomesteadchrisand7337]

That is funny. I just bought some seeds today. Second attempt at those guys. Carolina mountains can be ruthless.