Artichokes may not be the most common members of a vegetable garden, but they can be very rewarding to grow as long as you have the space. If you do choose to add artichokes to your garden, it’s important to know which plants work well near them and which don’t. Keep reading to learn more about what to plant next to artichokes.
Artichoke Plant Companions
Artichoke companion planting is not especially complicated. Artichokes don’t repel any pests, but at the same time, they’re not really bothered by any. It is because of this, they don’t really benefit their neighbors, but neither do they need good neighbors. They are, however, very heavy feeders that require extra rich, slightly alkaline soil. The best companions for artichoke plants have similar soil requirements. Peas, in particular, are good artichoke plant companions because they exude nitrogen that artichokes will gladly leech up from the soil. Some other good artichoke plant companions include sunflowers, tarragon, and members of the cabbage family. The artichoke “vegetable” that we eat is actually a flower bud. If you don’t harvest the bud and allow it to bloom, it becomes a huge, clover-like flower that will attract all kinds of beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Bad Companions for Artichoke
The most important thing to know about artichoke plants is that they’re huge. They can grow as big as 4 feet (1 m.) high and wide. They spread out with huge leaves that can easily shade or muscle out smaller plants. Due to this, artichoke companion planting isn’t recommended in close quarters. Don’t place anything within a few feet (1 m.) of your artichoke plants. It’s best to leave even more distance on the north side since that’s where the shade cast from their leaves will be the worst. If you have limited space, it’s better not to plant anything near your artichoke plants.
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Green Globe Improved Artichoke: Learn About Green Globe Artichoke CareGardeners grow plants either for their visual appeal or because they produce tasty fruits and vegetables. What if you could do both? The Green Globe Improved artichoke is not only a highly nutritious food but attractive when grown as an ornamental. Learn more here.
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Imperial Star Artichoke Care: How To Grow An Imperial Star Artichoke PlantSince Imperial Star artichokes were specifically bred for cultivation as a cold-climate annual, this variety is well adapted for home gardeners who are unable to grow artichokes as perennials. Learn more about this artichoke variety in this article.
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Artichoke Plant Types: Learn About Different Artichoke VarietiesThere are several varieties of artichoke, some of which produce big buds with plenty of flesh, while others are more decorative. Click on the following article for information on different artichoke varieties that might be suitable for your region.
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Container Grown Artichoke Plants: How To Grow Artichokes In PotsIf you don’t think you have garden space for the large artichoke plant, try growing an artichoke in a container. Potted artichokes are simple to grow if you follow the container grown artichoke tips from this article. Click here to learn more.
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Artichoke Plant Propagation – How To Propagate An ArtichokeThe propagation of artichoke plants is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean area where this perennial thistle was considered a delicacy. For information on propagating artichoke plants to grow in the garden, click the following article.
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Artichoke Winter Care: Learn About Overwintering Artichoke PlantsArtichokes are primarily cultivated commercially in sunny California, but are artichokes cold hardy? Overwintering artichoke plants isn’t difficult; it simply takes a little knowledge and planning. Click here for more information on artichokes in winter.
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Problems With Artichoke Plants: Pest Control And Care Of Diseased ArtichokesYou may on occasion encounter a few problems with artichoke plants while growing them. To get help for artichoke plants under attack, use the information found in this article.
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Picking An Artichoke - When And How To Harvest ArtichokesWhen and how to harvest artichokes in the home garden depends on the type you are growing. If you want to know how to tell when an artichoke is ripe, the information in this article can help.
