Artichoke - an easy way to grow from seed, where it grows, description and characteristics of the plant

How easy is it to grow an exotic artichoke plant? Is it possible? An easy way to care, plant, harvest.

Artichoke: description

For Russia, the Artichoke is exotic, it has not only an unusual appearance, but also an exceptional name. Many could hear about him on TV, from a friend or neighbor, but not everyone had the honor to see and taste him. For some, it will be a big shock that in Russia, artichoke is also grown in suburban areas. People think that growing an artichoke is magic, because such an amazing plant cannot just grow and not take a lot of time to care for it. And here it can! There is nothing supernatural in growing and caring for it, see for yourself.

The artichoke comes from the Astro family. He comes from the Mediterranean coast and the Canary Islands. Found in America, Africa, Europe, Russia. Only after a while people were able to understand all the features of the artichoke and began to eat it. In some countries, the artichoke was thought to be a weed. The appearance of an artichoke can be compared to a thistle. The plant looks like a closed flower bouquet, which consists of a large number of juicy leaves, from which dishes are prepared.

The artichoke grows for several years, which means it can be called a perennial plant. It has a strong root system, which helps to maintain a state of dormancy even in the most severe frosts. Leaves are large, straight stem about 1.6 meters high, inflorescences are very large, you can compare them with a basket covered with scales. At the time of flowering, the plant opens and blue flowers appear.

How to properly propagate an Artichoke?

There are two ways to breed an artichoke:

- Seeds.

- Root processes (KO).

From the second year of its growth, the artichoke can have KO. A real plant can be grown with their help, you need to separate the KO, plant and take care of, following simple rules of care.

It is recommended to use seedlings when growing an artichoke in Russia. In warmer countries, you can safely use other methods.

Planting with seeds is the easiest and most effective way, if only because of the ease of acquiring them. Most often they are sold in fifteen pieces per pack. It is necessary to sow in early spring, at the end of winter we prepare seeds. We put them in a container, pour water, do not touch them for a day. The seeds should swell. Let the water stand and cool to room temperature. After you have taken out the seeds, wrap them in cheesecloth. A package of seeds with gauze should be wrapped in a thick film and put in a warm room for a week. After the seeds hatch, place them in the refrigerator for 14 days. After this procedure, the chance for long flowering and high yields is very high.

How to plant an Artichoke correctly?

Artichoke boxes should be of a size that is comfortable for you. The first (lower) layer is drainage, the second (main) layer is sand, turf, humus (each component in the same amount). Stir this mixture, water thoroughly. In the main layer, we make holes about two cm deep, we put seeds in them, the seeds should be placed four cm apart. We sprinkle them with earth, creating a layer of one cm. There is no need to create the effect of a greenhouse or greenhouse. Keep the soil moist.

The first shoots should hatch in a week.The temperature should not be higher than fifteen degrees, and the amount of light should be increased. Don't overdo it with soil moisture. Watering should be regular, but not intense.

How to plant an artichoke outdoors? It is necessary to plant at the end of spring, the soil should be nutritious and breathable.

If you are growing the plant for livestock feed, you can also plant it in your vegetable garden. The soil must be dug up and fertilized. We form rows of twenty cm, the distance between the artichokes should be about one meter.

If you are growing a plant as an ornamental plant, plant it in front of your house, in your garden, or in a clearing. The main thing is to properly care for the artichoke. Planting holes should be about fifty cm deep and about seventy wide. We place a mixture of fertilizer and soil, add seedlings.

How to properly care for an Artichoke?

The seeds should be in different containers, preferably in half-liter peat pots, fill the containers with humus, sand and earth.

After 14 days, we fertilize the plants. You can take the artichoke outside for hardening. Make sure that the sun and rain do not harm the plant.

Harvest Artichoke

Usually artichoke fruits are harvested for 2 years. In August, you need to cut the peduncles. If the bud is open, cut it off.

The fruit should be cut off with a stem, but not completely (leave five cm). You can store an artichoke from two weeks to three months.