Growing in California: Artichokes

I had a couple beautiful and thriving artichoke plants in my yard this year. They provided an interesting landscaping addition, and of course, delicious food for the home. 

Artichoke plants thrive best in an area with mild winters and like full sun, or partial shade. Give plants room to spread, since mature plants can reach 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. According to Bonnie Plants, "They also need light, fertile, well-drained soil—sandy or loam is ideal. Prepare the soil by working 5 inches of compost into a trench 8 inches deep and equally wide. Two reasons artichoke plants fail are summer drought and winter soil that’s waterlogged. Adding compost improves soil’s ability to retain water in summer and drain in winter."


Have you ever grown artichokes? What was your experience?


Here is a great 5 minutes guide on growing artichokes. Enjoy.