How to Grow and Manage Artichokes

How to Grow and Manage ArtichokesArtichokes (Cynara scolymus),
believed to be a native of western and central Mediterranean. It was
said that this plant was already grown by the Romans for over 2,000
years ago. They used it as a green and a salad plant.It is a perennial
crop grown for their buds as the main parts used for food, it's a
large and vigorous plant that grows to a height of about six
feet.Artichokes tolerates in a cool, but not freezing weather and lots
of water supply.It is rich with Vitamins A and C, Thiamine,
riboflavin, Niacin, and high in Calcium and Iron. The hearts and
leaves are high in alkaline acid and is also good in reducing
diet.Artichokes' is derived from the Italian words, "ariticiocco" and
"articoclos" which means a pine cone, hence its buds resembles the
cone of the pine tree.The best soil for planting artichokes is a rich
with plenty of organic matter. A soil with a mix of compost applied
into the plots is much better for a vigorous plant growth especially
if mixed with Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium mix fertilizers for
good result.To plant artichokes, you've to grow them in mild climate
as a perennial plant, and in the second growing period, they produce
the first buds in the first year as an annual plant. Once the plant is
already exposed to cooler temperature.Before planting the seedlings in
the open field, you should raise the seedlings in the nursery 12 weeks
before the last frost. After this period, place the seedlings in a
cold area for another 6 weeks before the last frost.After this frost
is over, start planting your seedlings in the field. When the
condition becomes warm, you've to plant the 6 weeks old seedlings at 2
feet distance between rows in the plots.Maintain the amount of water
supply during its growing period coupled with a monthly liquid
fertilizer application.Artichokes is a hardy plant and so, the most
common pests that attacks them are the aphids, caterpillars, slugs,
and snails. They can easily be controlled by a homemade insecticides
to wit: 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 tablespoon baking soda, and 2
tablespoon powdered laundry soap. Mix properly and spray directly to
insect pests until totally eradicated.Harvesting can done after the
flower buds starts to open. You can select the best quality when it's
compact, plump and heavy and are large in size. Don't harvest those
that open and spreading, they're already over mature, and not edible
anymore.Happy gardening!