Globe Artichoke can I plant out now?

[lmayhow]

Hello me again I brought a lucky dip mature plant box from a well known company and one of the items is an Emerald Artichoke with 4 leaves approx 40cm each. I know that some people cloche/mulch them for winter, cut dead leaves etc...

My question being would you plant out to ground now or should I pot on and keep in my cold frame till Spring? The ground is not frozen in my region be it a little wet but I wonder where would it be a least risk from frost damage? Plus currently the leaves are no were near dead so I assume leave them in place?

Thank you

[Penellype]

I haven't grown globe artichokes, but the general consensus seems to be to plant them in spring as they are not fully hardy. I would put it in the cold frame as I think it is very likely that there will be some frosty spells this winter.

[Thelma Sanders]

I agree my plants spent their first winter in pots in the greenhouse, before planting out.

[lmayhow]

Thank you very much had a feeling might be best....