Growing Artichokes in Austin

Growing Artichokes in Austin.

Artichokes are really easy to grow in Austin, Texas! I find artichoke plants as useful as an ornamental as their flowers are in the kitchen. You may alread know this, but when you dine on an artichoke you are essentially eating the base of the flower bud. In my family artichokes were often fried in olive oil after passing through a simple egg and flour dredge. My favorite use is to make a savory arichoke pasta such as Spaghetti with olives and artichokes.....it is a savory delight!

The Latin or botanical name for artichokes is Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus. Artichokes are drought and sun tolerant members of the thistle family. Artichokes have been cultivated for hundreds of years in Northern Africa, Egypt and onward into the southern Mediterranean, notably Sicily and Naples, Italy. The Italians produce more artichokes than any other country with production estimates approaching 500,000 tons per year!

Growing Tips for artichokes.

1. Full Sun.

2. Well drained soil.

3. Lots of room, 5 to 6 feet center to center spacing.

4. Consistent summer watering

5. Dress with aged manure or compost in the spring and again in the summer.

6. Boost with high phosphorus fertilizer such as bonemeal in later winter.

7. Dress with a balanced vegtable fertilizer in the spring and again in summer.

Local sources for artichokes in the Austin metro.

1. The Natural Gardener

512-288-6113

2. The Great Outdoors

512-448-2992

3. Barton Springs Nursery

512-328-6655

Seed sources for artichokes.

1. Territorial Seed Company

Territorial Seed Co. Website

800-626-0866
2. Park Seed Company

Park Seed Website

800-845-3369

3. Seeds of Change

Seeds of Change Website

888-762-7333

Pictures of Artichokes in southwest Austin.

I planted three 4" pots last spring. Each plant, at planting time, each plant had 4 tiny leaves and was about 3 inches tall. The plants struggled a bit with last years intense summer heat, but they now measure over 4 feet across and this will be a production year. I can't wait!

Artichokes in the garden in Austin, Tx. Artemesia 'Powis Castle' is the companion plant in the lower right of the frame.

Artichoke plant up close and personal.

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