Overwintering Globe Artichoke

[running_muttley]

Can someone tell me how I overwinter Globe Artichokes? I bought the plants in May and I know you're meant to cut them back , but what bits do I cut back, how much do I cut? I was planning to cover them with some glass on some bricks but they're about 2ft tall and wide. Do I cut back the bigger outer leaves leaving the smaller ones in the middle? I have no idea.

Thanks

[Don Vincenzo]

Can someone tell me how I overwinter Globe Artichokes? I bought the plants in May and I know you're meant to cut them back , but what bits do I cut back, how much do I cut? I was planning to cover them with some glass on some bricks but they're about 2ft tall and wide. Do I cut back the bigger outer leaves leaving the smaller ones in the middle? I have no idea.

Thanks

Once the stems die, cut the stems and leave about one foot so you will know where the tubers are. they belong to the sunflower family and the stems burned form a rich potash fertilizer, rabbits and chickens are fond of the leaves. Tubers can be left in the ground till you need them or better they can be lifted and stored in humid peat or compost. In early spring or later winter select the best tubers and replant them. In your case the reason why they are only 2ft tall is because you planted them too later. Usually they grow 6ft tall or more according to soils, nutrients etc. They form a miriad of bright yellow flowers and pleasant to look at them.
Regards
Don

[burnie]

Don , are you mixing up globes with jerusalems?Globes are the ones that if flowering are huge purple flowers.
R.m. I just left mine to get on with it and they re-appeared in the spring,then tidy away the dead stuff.

[goddess]

globe artichoke

i've grown some artichoke plants in my garden for 3 years now(raised from seed)they dont seem to die in winter up here in my garden in manchester.i never bothered covering them & they survived so far.iam noot sure iam very lucky with 2 little plants i brought with me from france, they are still in pots and look like they will not last through winter in unheated greenhouse!! iaam wondering if i should plant them in garden and cover with diy cloche,any advice welcome.g

[burnie]

i've grown some artichoke plants in my garden for 3 years now(raised from seed)they dont seem to die in winter up here in my garden in manchester.i never bothered covering them & they survived so far.iam noot sure iam very lucky with 2 little plants i brought with me from france, they are still in pots and look like they will not last through winter in unheated greenhouse!! iaam wondering if i should plant them in garden and cover with diy cloche,any advice welcome.g

You could try plunging the pot in the ground inside your greenhouse,this does reduce the chance of the frost freezing the root ball and covering will help as well.Don't let it dry out too much,water sparingly during mild spells.I've had some success with many plants doing this,but not artichokes, I too raised mine from seed and lasted through some grotty winters,left them behind when I emigrated north( I have to confess I never ate one,I grew them for the flowers).

[running_muttley]

They went in so late, bought them on a whim online, they didn't grow a stem so I have no idea when to cut them, the leaves show no sign of dying, if anything they're still growing. I'm just worried that one frost and they're history.

[CarolineSonning]

running_muttley in a previous thread somewhere I was told to cut them right back (too a few inches I think), cover the whole lot with leaves then place the cut fronds over the top to anchor the leaves down. Uncover in April.