I enjoyed an artichoke recently that was so delicious and “meaty” that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a few days. It was grilled and I had it sans dip but I was fantasizing about a dressing I can make at home from the Meyer lemons in my garden, some olive oil, garlic and a sprig of tarragon.
I’m like that. I can be obsessive about food, especially the kind I can grow at home.
Fortunately, my zone 10 garden in Los Angeles is ideal for growing artichokes and right now is the perfect time to put out transplants in the garden. We are experiencing cool evenings and daytime temperatures in the 60-70 degree range, which artichokes like. So, I went into the garden to look for a good spot for it.
My Mediterranean garden with olive tree, dwarf pomegranate, sages, Vitex and succulents
Artichokes can grow from 4 to 5 feet tall and just as wide, so the new home for this perennial had to accommodate its mature size, The spot had to be in full sun and in well draining soil. Artichokes don’t do well when they have to “swim” to survive. These are sun plants…think “Italian Tuscan sun.”
This bare area in my garden looks like the perfect spot for my artichoke.
I’ve had a bare spot in my “hummingbird garden” for a while. I was thinking of planting a silver ornamental plant there. I considered an artemisia, convolvulus, or santolina, but when I thought about the artichoke’s silver foliage and ability to feed me, the former plants simply could not compete!
Look at that beautiful baby artichoke plant! I’m so proud of it.
I prepared the planting hole by adding organic compost and set the artichoke with the crown slightly above the soil surface to discourage rotting. Cold climate gardeners can still enjoy this “sun” plant as an annual potted plant and shelter it indoors through the winter. Care during the growing season is not intensive, artichokes just need a little side dressing of nitrogen about once a month.
In about 110 days, I should have some edible globes to salivate over, (though artichokes usually won’t reward you with globes until the second season). I’ll keep my eyes peeled for pests, and enjoy the look of the attractive foliage among the sages in the mean time.
I’ll also keep an eye out for my dog, “Whiggy” who insists on helping me “side dress” plants with urea. He’s too cute to call a “pest!”
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"Eden Maker," Shirley Bovshow
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Last year I used artichokes as annuals in my edible garden. I knew they’d never produce for me (in NE PA the season is too short) but they looked great and the deer never touched them. Maybe this year I’ll try over wintering them indoors. Hope I see you next week at the Flower Show.
That burst of silver should look great in that spot. Better to harvest and eat ‘chokes and just stare at a Astelia ‘Silver Spear’ doing nuthin’ but lookin’ purty. Seize ya next week in San Mateo, chica.
Hi Renate-
Thanks for dropping in and commenting. I just visited your site and enjoyed your post on the native plant design.
Shirley
Anna- Good to see you! As a matter of fact, my garden has a special lighting design for the night time and I will be sharing that sometime in the future. “Nightscaping” will be the subject. When in NC, I’ll have to see your yard sometime, I’m sure it is even more beautiful than the photos.
WHiggy is very spoiled and needs to lose 5 pounds. HIs coat is gorgeous though, isn’t it? I love how the color glows in the sunlight. You have a granddog? What is that exactly?
Shirley
Your garden does look very tuscan and warm. I see you have lots of accent lights and I’m imagining the look after hours too. When you get even more famous than you are now, will you put accent lights in my garden with your excess money? I want to have after hours ambience just like you.
Whiggy looks spoiled and use to being the center of attention. He’s very handsome. His coat looks healthy and soft. My grand dog just went home. I’ve had her for a week. Wow–what an adjustment. She’s on normal people’s time. You know, those people who work for a living. She got me up at 6am and then she snored while I stayed up until all hours. I loved it though. Seems too quiet around here now.
That little artichoke plant looks good mixed in with the dark greens and reds. I hope you are dipping the fruits in butter soon.
This will be great! Artichokes are such attractive plants!
does anyone know if you can grow artichoke in south louisiana?? can you explain the hardships of growing them down here?