RichinNJ
1374784282
Posted 1397938725
Reply with quote #1
I was reading my Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog and I noticed that some artichokes are hardy down to zone 7.
Chivas
1283819505
Posted 1397939167
Reply with quote #2
I grew some, they were woody and bitter if you don't water enough when it is hot. I covered them in a couple feet of straw after the first hard frost and cut the leaves down to about a foot. It was one of the bred for northern climates instead of green globe. I got quiet a few chokes from each plant, but since I was not wanting to water too much I took them out and so did my neighbours, they get really small when they were not watered enough and it is very hot out (july and half august). Also they seemed to like lots of organic matter so before planting them, I would recommend adding a lot of composted manure and other compost.
RichinNJ
1374784282
Posted 1397941897
Reply with quote #3
Where in Canada do you reside Chivas, if you don't mind me asking?
Aaron4USA
1375832059
Posted 1397942909
Reply with quote #4
Rich , We just planted Artichokes, we bought from our local Heirloom veggies supplier nursery. The variety he gave us is called "Imperial Star" AKA (Cynara Scolymus), there were 3 in one 4" pot, needs full sun exposure.
Sburdo
1334627697
Posted 1397956834
Reply with quote #5
I do not like artichokes but the perfume from the flower is outstanding and very unique.
Figaro
1360799941
Posted 1397962810
Reply with quote #6
I started three Imperial Star from seed last season and here in zone 10b, the winter wasn't a problem. They're now HUGE, in 15 or 20 gallon pots, and need daily watering, but haven't flowered yet.
[B]Figaro Zone 10b - South Florida[/I] Growing: Black Mission, Strawberry Verte, LSU Hollier, LSU Purple, LSU Scotts Black, Cajun Gold, Panachee, Excel, UCR 291-4, UCR 143-36, Violette de Bordeaux, Ronde de Bordeaux, Calvert, Black Madeira, Col De Dame Blanc
musillid
1327758167
Posted 1397994589
Reply with quote #7
I am trying Romanesco, some in ground, some in pots in my zone.
Ekierk
1349141058
Posted 1398090033
Reply with quote #8
Has anyone had success with Artichokes in zone 6? I might try it this year and build a cage with leafs around it in the winter. I heard "Northern Star" was the hardiest but I cannot find a sourse of seeds anywhere.
figgary
1387147322
Posted 1398109664
Reply with quote #9
I am growing 3 varieties of artichokes in my garden. Green Globe, Violetta, and one I don't remember the name of. They do very well here in zone 9, and supposedly will overwinter in zones 7 and up, with a thick mulch for protection. O
Ampersand
1389979527
Posted 1398109847
Reply with quote #10
For zone 6 there are some varieties that are single season, I think Northern Star might be it. Can't say much more than that, but I know they exist. I think you have to plant them very early and do a little finger crossing that frosts stop early and come late.
RichinNJ
1374784282
Posted 1398111069
Reply with quote #11
Nice Pictures Gary Thanks!
figgary
1387147322
Posted 1398112036
Reply with quote #12
Thank you, Rich. Counting the smaller side chokes, I get 15-30 per plant. The clumps get larger each year, so next year, they'll really produce. After 3-4 years, I'll cut them to the ground and divide them. On a side note, I lived for many years on the Monterey Peninsula, which is in the area of large commercial artichoke farms in Castroville. Driving through on occasion to visit my folks, the crop dusters would be spraying the fields, right along the highway. Freaked me out, actually. I've always grown mine organically, with no spraying, and people always comment on how sweet they taste... never bitter. I'm convinced it's the pesticides used commercially that makes some bitter. Can't prove it though.
Aaron4USA
1375832059
Posted 1398113004
Reply with quote #13
@Gary, it's amazing how pesticides are still number one choice for farmers...
gorgi
1188888396
Posted 1398114823
Reply with quote #14
I do love, love artichokes; my dear dad used to grow them when I was very young there.. artichoke heart should not have any of those spiky/woolly white 'points'.
BronxFigs
1333154764
Posted 1398115888
Reply with quote #15
I have never tried to grown them....but I do eat them.very ritzy, Madison Avenue in new York City, somewhere around 77th Street. There was a florist shop with a magnificent display of fresh-cut arranged, flowers. I looked, and to my astonishment, one vase held gigantic, artichoke blossoms. These beautiful thistles, orange and purple, made a wonderful display. The price tag matched the neighborhood.
figgary
1387147322
Posted 1398117415
Reply with quote #16
You're right about that, Frank. I usually let the last few stay on the plant to open. It's quite a sight to see and hear the many bees deep down inside the purple flowers when they are allowed to bloom.
musillid
1327758167
Posted 1398122299
Reply with quote #17
Well said.
Sburdo
1334627697
Posted 1398130010
Reply with quote #18
Frank,
BronxFigs
1333154764
Posted 1398138854
Reply with quote #19
Thanks for tipping me off regarding the fragrance "thing". Never had the pleasure of sniffing an artichoke blossom. Now I gotta grow a few plants.... just for the flowers!
jdsfrance
1376988473
Posted 1398175469
Reply with quote #20
Hi,
Chivas
1283819505
Posted 1398176729
Reply with quote #21
The ones that are meant for northern climates will produce in the first season if they are exposed to weather about 7-10 days below 10 degrees celicus.
trif1010
1191193721
RichinNJ
1374784282
Posted 1398204880
Reply with quote #23
Quote:
Originally Posted by trif1010
Aaron4USA
1375832059
Posted 1398204973
Reply with quote #24
it sure is a beautiful site, maybe I'll keep them on to bloom like that. it's so attractive as is.
trif1010
1191193721
Posted 1398205136
Reply with quote #25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RichinNJ Quote:
Originally Posted by trif1010
Zone 5 That's awesome. How do they taste?
trif1010
1191193721
Posted 1398205201
Reply with quote #26
Tender and sweet when picked young. Tough as the season progressed.
RichinNJ
1374784282
Posted 1398206855
Reply with quote #27
This is a "must have" next winter. What variety did you plant?
trif1010
1191193721
Posted 1398207955
Reply with quote #28
I planted a purple one that was called Tempo, but they replaced it with an improved version called Opera and also some Green Globe. The seeds came from gourmetseed.com
RichinNJ
1374784282
Posted 1398208067
Reply with quote #29
Quote:
Originally Posted by trif1010
RichinNJ
1374784282
trif1010
1191193721
Posted 1414081889
Reply with quote #31
Rich, try both. I've had luck with both of those. Just remember to start them early inside under lights (lmid-late February). Mine fruit earlier when they get hardened off properly (for about a month) with cool spring temps. Just remember to bring them back in if its going to freeze at night. They're finicky in lower zones, so experiment with different hardening off times and see what happens.
