growing artichokes in zone 5

Artichokes are primarily cultivated commercially in sunny California, but are artichokes cold hardy? With proper artichoke winter care, this perennial is hardy to USDA zone 6 and occasionally zone 5 during mild winters. Overwintering artichoke plants isn't difficult; it simply takes a little knowledge and planning.

What zone do Artichokes grow in?

Artichokes thrive in areas with mild winters, cool summers and plenty of moisture. As a perennial, artichokes perform well in hardiness Zones 7-11. Colder zone gardeners can grow artichokes as an annual vegetable or over-winter their perennial varieties in a sheltered area.

How cold hardy are artichokes?

Some artichoke varieties are frost hardy in zone 7 and above, and can tolerate winter low temperatures as low as 14° F (-10° C) if well-mulched. To overwinter plants in cooler zones, cut them back to 8-10” (20-25 cm) in late October, then cover the stump with 10” (25cm) of straw or dead leaves to protect from frost.

What month do you plant artichokes?

Transplants grow slowly in the fall and winter (October through January), but in early spring artichoke plants will rapidly increase in size. Artichoke should be planted in a well-drained soil and mulched well to help reduce weeds and conserve soil moisture.

Do artichokes need full sun?

Artichokes thrive in full sun to partial shade. They also need light, fertile, well-drained soil—sandy or loam is ideal.

Why are artichokes so expensive?

''There are three reasons why artichokes are expensive,'' Hopper says. ''One reason is that each artichoke on the plant, and there are several, matures at different times; so each must be picked by hand. ''Second, artichoke seeds don`t breed true; so root stock must be used.

How do you know when Jerusalem artichokes are ready?

Jerusalem artichokes are generally ready for harvest when the leaves die down. If you have the patience you might want to wait for the first frost as tubers harvested after they got hit by the first frost taste sweeter. In my experience the best harvest season is end of september until march.

Do artichokes dieback in winter?

Artichokes go dormant in hot weather, but their main dormancy is in winter when they die back to the ground. Artichokes require protection from severe, prolonged frost.

Can artichokes be grown in pots?

To grow an artichoke in a container, select a pot that is at least 3 feet (1 m.) wide and a foot (30 cm.) or more deep. Amend a good quality, well-draining potting mix with plenty of compost. Fertilize the container grown artichoke in midsummer with either commercial fertilizer or a top dressing of compost.

Do artichoke plants spread?

Soil, Planting, and Care

Give plants room to spread, since mature plants can reach 3 to 4 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide. Artichokes thrive in full sun to partial shade. They also need light, fertile, well-drained soil—sandy or loam is ideal.

Why are my artichokes so small?

Artichokes are sensitive to too little or too much moisture in the soil. Prolonged periods of drought result in small numbers of tiny, stunted buds with weak stems.

Can I plant artichokes from the grocery store?

You can even grow a mixture of different varieties of artichokes that you can't find in a grocery store. Last time I saw artichokes in the grocery store, they were on sale for 2 for $4.00.

How long does it take to grow artichokes?

Artichokes take at least 110-150 days to reach maturity, if planting from seed and 100 days from divisions. Most do not flower until the second year of growth. Once the harvest is over, cut the plants back to 1-2 inches off the ground to try for a second harvest.

How deep do artichoke roots go?

The roots of artichokes spread deep and wide into the ground, so provide them with at least 6 feet of growing space.

How do you know when artichokes are ready to be picked?

Harvest artichokes when the buds are tight and firm and about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Harvest buds before the petals begin to open. If you wait until the bud opens, the petals will no longer be tender.

Are artichokes good for you?

Because of their tough exterior, artichokes take some careful preparation. But your efforts will reap nutritional rewards -- the veggie is a good source of folate, dietary fiber, and vitamins C and K. Artichokes are also packed with antioxidants; they're number 7 on the USDA's top 20 antioxidant-rich foods list.

What part of the artichoke is poisonous?

The only part you can't eat is the hairy choke inside, and the sharp, fibrous outer portion of the leaves. The choke is not poisonous, nor is the tough part of the leaves, but it is a choking hazard, and quite aptly named.

What is the best way to store artichokes?

Place the artichokes in a plastic bag and refrigerate them.

Put the bag in the refrigerator -- if possible, place them in the coldest part of your fridge, such as the crisper drawer, so they'll stay fresher longer. The artichokes should keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Do artichokes grow back every year?

Where winters are mild, you can grow globe artichokes as perennials, replacing plants every four years. In most areas, though, globe artichokes must be grown as annuals. Growing artichokes from seeds started in late winter will produce edible buds in midsummer and fall.

Should you peel Jerusalem artichokes?

Just scrub them clean - there's no need to peel them (should you wish to, a teaspoon works well). If you do peel them, drop them into acidulated water until you're ready to use them because the flesh discolours quickly. Keep an eye on them while cooking as they can turn to mush quite quickly.

Do Jerusalem artichokes spread?

Jerusalem artichokes are an edible tuber, much like a potato. ... They spread by way of their tasty tubers, which divide beneath the soil. Even one tiny piece of tuber means a new plant the following year, and they're almost impossible to irradicate. This can be good if they're planted far from any other cultivated areas.

Can you eat raw Jerusalem artichokes?

As well as standing up well to roasting, pan-roasting, boiling and steaming, you can also eat Jerusalem artichokes raw – they have a crisp, clean flavour and a texture similar to that of water chestnuts.