Artichoke
Imagine a plant that brings both beauty and a touch of Mediterranean charm to your garden. The artichoke, with its silvery-green leaves and distinctive flower buds, is a stunning addition. Its deeply lobed foliage and sturdy stems give the plant an almost architectural presence, making it a standout feature in any garden.
As the season progresses, the artichoke's large, thistle-like buds begin to emerge. These vibrant, purple-tipped buds are not just a visual delight but a conversation starter for anyone who visits your garden. They offer a unique look that sets the artichoke apart from other plants.
In Florida, particularly in zones 8b–9a, these artichokes thrive, making them a great choice for your garden. Besides their aesthetic appeal, they also provide delicious buds that can elevate your home-cooked meals. Adding artichokes to your garden is a wonderful way to enjoy both visual beauty and the satisfaction of growing something unique and edible.
I would give artichokes a 1 out of 5 on how easy they are to grow. They are more challenging to grow due to their perennial nature and specific climate requirements, making them best for gardeners with some experience or a willingness to learn.
The vegetables listed on this page are not the only ones that can thrive in this region of Florida, but they represent the top recommended varieties for optimal growth and success in local conditions.
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Green Globe Artichoke
Heirloom
Description: Green Globe is the most popular and widely grown artichoke variety. It produces large, round, green heads with a tender, meaty texture and excellent flavor.
Growing Season: Fall, Winter, and Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 7-11
Special Notes: Requires a long growing season and benefits from mild winters and cool springs. Perennial in warmer climates.
Imperial Star Artichoke
Hybrid
Description: Imperial Star is a hybrid variety known for its uniform, round, green heads with tender, flavorful hearts. It is bred for annual production and early maturity.
Growing Season: Fall, Winter, and Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 7-11
Special Notes: Suitable for annual production, making it ideal for regions with shorter growing seasons. Resistant to bolting and produces high yields.
Violetto Artichoke (Italian Purple)
Heirloom
Description: Violetto artichokes are known for their striking purple heads and tender, flavorful hearts. They have a slightly nutty flavor and are often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Growing Season: Fall, Winter, and Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 7-11
Special Notes: More heat-tolerant than other varieties. Adds visual interest to gardens and dishes.
Big Heart Artichoke
Hybrid
Description: Big Heart is a hybrid variety that produces large, round heads with tender, meaty hearts. It is known for its high yields and excellent flavor.
Growing Season: Fall, Winter, and Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 7-11
Special Notes: Heat-tolerant and suitable for warm climates. Ideal for fresh eating and cooking.
Purple of Romagna Artichoke
Heirloom
Description: Purple of Romagna is an heirloom variety with deep purple heads and tender, flavorful hearts. It has a slightly nutty taste and is prized for its unique appearance.
Growing Season: Fall, Winter, and Spring
USDA Planting Zone: 7-11
Special Notes: Adds color to the garden and table. Perennial in warmer climates and produces high yields.
Florida Vegetable Planting Map
This guide provides information on when to start seeds inside, direct seed, and transplant starter plants in the different regions of Florida.
North USDA Planting Zones: 8b-9a
Central USDA Planting Zones: 9b & some of 10a
South USDA Planting Zones: 10a-11b
Visit the U.S. National Arboretum for an Exact USDA Planting Zone Map.
| Artichoke | North Florida | Central Florida | South Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Seeds Inside | Jul-Aug | Jul-Aug | Jul-Aug |
| Direct Seed | Not recommended | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| Transplant Starter Plants | Sep-Nov | Sep-Nov | Sep-Nov |
Planting Guide – Artichoke
Getting Started
Start Seeds Inside:
Starting artichoke seeds indoors in mid-summer allows for controlled conditions, better germination, and strong seedlings that are ready for transplanting in the fall.
Direct Seed:
Direct seeding artichokes is not recommended. They have a long growing season and need consistent, managed conditions early on, which are easier to provide indoors or in a protected nursery area.
Transplant Starter Plants:
Transplant artichoke starter plants in the fall so they can establish in cooler weather and build a strong root system. This sets them up to act as a productive perennial crop in your Florida garden.
Artichokes are long-lived, architectural plants that reward good early care with multiple edible buds each season. Starting with healthy transplants and planting at the right time makes a big difference in long-term productivity.
Soil, Sun, Water, and Spacing
Soil:
Artichokes prefer rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure. Good drainage is essential to avoid root problems.
Sun:
Full sun is ideal, but artichokes can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter parts of Florida. In cooler months, more sun helps encourage strong growth and bud production.
Watering:
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Deep, regular watering encourages deep roots. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and regulates soil temperature.
Spacing:
Artichokes grow into large plants. Space seedlings about 3–4 feet apart in rows 4–6 feet apart to allow good air circulation and room for mature growth.
Fertilization, Care, and Problems
Fertilization (N–P–K Ratio):
Artichokes respond well to a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14, along with plenty of organic matter. This supports steady foliage growth and bud production.
When to Add:
Early Spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer when new growth begins to push from the crown.
Mid-Growing Season: Reapply mid-season to support continued growth and bud formation.
Application Tips:
- Always follow the directions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization.
- Work fertilizer into the soil around the base of the plant, keeping it away from direct contact with stems.
- Combine fertilizer with compost or well-rotted manure to feed both the plant and the soil biology.
Additional Tips:
- Artichokes thrive in soil rich in organic matter—top-dress with compost each season.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and protect shallow roots.
- Remove spent buds and old stalks to encourage fresh growth and keep plants tidy.
Harvesting:
Harvest artichokes when the buds are still tight and firm and have reached at least 3 inches in diameter. Cut the bud with a sharp knife, leaving about an inch of stem. If you let a few buds open, they become large, attractive thistle-like flowers that support pollinators.
Pests and Diseases in Florida:
- Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from leaves and buds, causing distorted growth and spreading disease.
- Snails and Slugs: Feed on tender leaves and can quickly damage young plants and lower foliage.
- Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold): A fungal disease that causes gray, fuzzy mold on leaves and buds in cool, damp conditions.
- Powdery Mildew: Appears as white, powdery spots on leaves, weakening the plant and reducing vigor.
- Root Rot: Caused by poorly drained soil; roots decay and plants eventually collapse and die.
Blog post on Natural Fertilizers
Natural Pest Control
Companion Plants and Plants to Avoid
Companion Plants:
| Marigold | Bright, sunny flowers that help repel nematodes and some insect pests. They can discourage aphids and improve overall soil health around artichokes. |
| Borage | Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects that prey on pests like aphids. Adds trace minerals back into the soil as its leaves break down. |
| Nasturtium | Acts as a trap crop, drawing aphids and some other pests away from artichokes. Also helps deter whiteflies and softens the pest pressure in your bed. |
| Rosemary | Strong scent helps repel various pests including aphids, snails, and slugs. It’s drought-tolerant and pairs well along the edges of an artichoke patch. |
Plants to Avoid Nearby:
| Garlic | May inhibit artichoke growth when planted too close, likely due to root exudates and competition in the root zone. |
| Onion | Similar to garlic, onions can negatively affect artichoke vigor when grown in tight proximity. |
| Potatoes | Compete for nutrients and moisture and can harbor diseases that may also impact artichokes. |
| Sweet Potatoes | Vigorous vines that compete for space and nutrients, making it harder for artichokes to thrive. |
| Peas | Both artichokes and peas can stunt each other’s growth, so it’s best to keep them in separate beds or rotate them instead. |