An Artichoke Is Grown Almost Like A Tomato

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

The artichoke is very unusual in appearance. During the flowering period, it is very similar to the inflorescences of burdock and thistle. And the unopened basket itself, which is eaten, is like a bump, and with a big stretch it can be called a vegetable, and even more so to suspect in it any nutritional value. Nevertheless, this plant is a delicacy, and it is worthy to decorate with itself a feast of persons of royal blood. Recently, the artichoke has migrated to our beds. What kind of care does this exotic exotic, which is still rare in our gardens, require?

Seedling method of growing artichoke

The artichoke moved to our latitudes from a warmer climate. And in the conditions of a long cold season and a short summer, it should be grown through seedlings. Sowing seeds in more northern regions is carried out in February-March. Well, in the open ground, the transplant is carried out from the second half of May to June. And those who are engaged in home farming closer to the south have every chance to get a harvest of edible inflorescences a year after sowing in the spring season.

Before planting, artichoke seedlings are recommended to be hardened. To do this, you can take the pots outside for a short time or leave them on the balcony. However, it must be remembered that it is possible to start these activities no earlier than a stable average temperature of at least + 14 ° C is established outside the window.

Artichokes require fertile soil rich in humus. The beds for planting should be filled with compost. If the soil is poor in nutrients, the artichokes should also be fed. This is done about once every two weeks. You can use slurry or nettle-based herbal infusion.

It is better to take the place for landing sunny. At the same time, the plant is afraid of wind and drafts, so this corner must be protected from gusts.

Planting artichoke seedlings in open ground should be carried out using shelter arches in case of unexpected frosts. In addition, these structures help prevent damage to delicate plants from temperature extremes during the day and night. The seedling planting pattern is 70 x 70 cm. These are large plants, and their development rate is also high.

Artichoke planting care

Despite the fact that this plant is very unusual for our gardens, caring for it is very similar to growing tomatoes. However, these exotic pets do not need to be pinned. And to get a harvest of large baskets, 2-3 inflorescences are left on each plant. Do not regret deleting unnecessary ones. Also, such a technique as breaking out side shoots helps to grow larger heads.

Among other care measures, one should not forget about loosening the beds and weeding from weeds. Although in some countries the artichoke itself is considered a malicious weed, however, in the wild, the exquisitely tasty basket that can be grown with the careful care of the gardener does not form. But do not be upset if you fail to grow large bumps the first time. These specimens are good for stuffing, while smaller ones are better for use in salads and whole pickling.

With the appearance of the first buds, the amount of watering should be reduced. You can harvest the inflorescences at the moment when they partially open. Fully opened baskets are no longer used for culinary purposes. It is necessary to cut off the cones together with the receptacle and integumentary leaves. In this form, they can be stored for another month in the refrigerator or cellar. But it is better to refuse freezing. They darken and lose their high taste.

The artichoke is a perennial plant, although in our latitudes it is more grown in an annual culture. But you can leave the plants in the ground for the winter to winter. To do this, they are cut low and covered with a protective layer of compost mulch or simply covered with earth and covered with spruce branches. They take off the "fur coat" not earlier than April.

Shoots that form at the base of the stem can be dug out for buried storage. For this, a pit is prepared to a depth of 0.5 m. From above, these storages are covered with straw.