Too late to plant out globe artichokes?

[Srh.sloan]

Hi there,

I've been wanting to grow artichokes for a while so I ordered 2 plants last weekend and they arrived this week (~10th July). According to my usual gardening books it's a bit late to plant them out so I was wondering if they should stay in pots, possibly indoors over the winter, and plant out next spring, or if I could plant them out this autumn? They're currently about 3 inches high so need to be a bit more sturdy before they go in the ground I think, given our local slug population!

Hoping someone can advise,
Thanks!

[VolesAteMyPeas]

Hi there,

I've been wanting to grow artichokes for a while so I ordered 2 plants last weekend and they arrived this week (~10th July). According to my usual gardening books it's a bit late to plant them out so I was wondering if they should stay in pots, possibly indoors over the winter, and plant out next spring, or if I could plant them out this autumn? They're currently about 3 inches high so need to be a bit more sturdy before they go in the ground I think, given our local slug population!

Hoping someone can advise,
Thanks!

Hello,

This is my first post on here so excuse me if things go wrong! In my experience, the artichokes will do fine planted out now as long as they're watered in dry spells. They'll appreciate the extra growing time. I put some offsets in, which is what you have, about 3 weeks ago and they've doubled in size already.

If they do start to produce heads, cut them off as soon as possible as you don't want to harvest until next summer when the plants are established. Also, the very abundant local slug population doesn't seem to be the slightest bit interested in them. I have ten plants now and they've never been touched even when young. I don't know if this is usual though so an application of slug pellets or other deterrent may be prudent!

In short, I'd go for it. Nothing to be gained from sitting in pots in my opinion. Best of luck! The plants are so spectacular it's almost by the by as to whether you ever get anything edible from them. Although I certainly do! I'm considering trying cardoon next year.

J