Artichoke crowns are vegetative propagules taken from a mature perennial plant. Unlike growing from seed, planting a crown significantly reduces the time until the first harvest. This method also guarantees the new plant will be genetically identical to the parent, ensuring the desired characteristics of the cultivar. Starting with a crown bypasses the lengthy germination and establishment phase required for seedlings.
Preparing the Crowns and Planting Site
The process begins with selecting a healthy crown, which should be firm, show no signs of mold or rot, and possess a robust root system. If you are dividing an existing plant, the ideal time to separate the offsets, or suckers, is in early spring when new growth is just beginning. Planting should occur once the threat of hard frost has passed and the soil temperature has warmed to at least 50°F, allowing for immediate root establishment.
Choosing the proper location is important because artichokes are long-lived plants that require significant space. They perform best in a site that receives full sun, meaning a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The site must also accommodate the mature plant’s size, which can easily spread four to six feet wide and reach three to four feet in height.
Artichokes have a deep root system and are sensitive to standing water, making soil quality a major factor in their success. The soil must be rich, fertile, and exceptionally well-draining. Heavy clay soil must be heavily amended with aged compost and coarse material like grit or sand to improve porosity and aeration. This amendment helps the soil retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away quickly, preventing root rot.
Step-by-Step Planting Process
Once the site and crowns are prepared, the physical planting must be executed with precision, especially concerning depth. Begin by digging a hole that is approximately twice as wide as the crown’s root ball and deep enough to accommodate the full length of the roots without bending them. The wide hole provides loose soil for the initial rapid expansion of the root system.
The most important step is positioning the crown so its growing point—the central bud where new leaves emerge—is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil surface. Planting the crown too deeply is a common error that can quickly lead to rot, particularly in cool, moist conditions. If you are planting multiple crowns, ensure adequate air circulation and room for expansion by spacing the plants four to six feet apart in all directions.
After placing the crown at the correct height, gently backfill the hole with the amended soil, carefully working the dirt around the roots. Use your hands to lightly firm the soil around the base of the crown to secure it and eliminate any large air pockets that could dry out the delicate roots. The soil should be settled, but not compacted, which would impede water infiltration and root growth.
Immediately after planting, provide a deep, thorough watering to settle the soil completely around the roots and fully hydrate the crown. This initial watering establishes good soil-to-root contact, allowing the crown to begin absorbing nutrients and moisture. The water should penetrate the full depth of the planting hole, ensuring the entire root zone is saturated.
Essential Initial Care for Establishment
Following the initial planting, a consistent watering schedule is necessary for the crown to establish a strong root system. Artichokes require deep, regular watering, especially during the first four to eight weeks, to encourage extensive root growth. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy, which often translates to watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Applying a thick layer of organic mulch immediately after planting helps conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature fluctuations. A three- to four-inch layer of material such as straw, shredded leaves, or aged compost will also suppress weed competition, which can otherwise steal valuable nitrogen and water from the newly planted crowns. The mulch should be pulled back slightly from the immediate base of the plant to prevent moisture from collecting directly against the crown, which could encourage fungal issues.
Artichokes are known as heavy feeders, and providing supplemental nutrition is important once the crown shows signs of active growth. A balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be applied according to package directions a few weeks after planting to support the rapid development of the large, leafy foliage. Healthy leaf growth is directly linked to the plant’s ability to produce large flower buds later in the season.
During this establishment period, monitor the young plants closely for common pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids, which can damage tender new growth. Slugs and snails chew ragged holes in the leaves, while aphids congregate on growing tips, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Addressing these threats early with careful removal or appropriate organic controls helps ensure the crown dedicates its energy to root and foliar development.