Artichokes are unopened flower buds that originated in the Mediterranean and are usually grown for decorative landscaping. Presently this vegetable is eaten on its own or incorporated in pizzas and soup. Before planting this delicious veggie, keep the following things in mind.

Sunlight and Temperature

Artichokes need sunlight to grow because they do not grow well when in shade. If you live in a hot area, it is best not to place your artichokes directly under the sunlight. 50 to 75 degrees F is the ideal temperature for them. They do not do well in frigid weather, so you better plant them not later than the last frost.

Hydration and Humidity

When you plant artichokes, ensure to give them a lot of water. You need to be consistent in keeping the soil moist by deeply watering them frequently. Ideally, you should water them 1 to 3 times a week. They also grow well with ample humidity.

Soil

You can use different soil in planting artichokes if you drain them well. Although they need a lot of water, it does not mean you drown them. There should be enough nutrients in the soil, so adding compost or side-dressing before you plant is recommended. The ideal pH level of the soil is 6.0 to 7.0. Nevertheless, artichokes can tolerate alkaline soil.

Fertilizer

Applying granular fertilizer on your artichokes during transplanting is recommended. You can begin with a diluted fish emulsion during the early stages and then use fertilizer with higher phosphorous amount later.