Artichokes, with their striking silver-green foliage and edible flower buds, are a desirable addition to any garden, whether grown as annuals or perennials. Acquiring healthy planting material is the first step toward a successful harvest, but the best source depends on your climate, gardening experience, and desired timeline. Purchase options range from tiny seeds requiring indoor care to established root crowns ready for immediate planting. Understanding the characteristics of each form will help you make the right choice for your garden space.
Purchasing Artichokes Online
Online vendors provide the widest selection of artichoke cultivars, including specialized varieties that may not be stocked locally. These nurseries and retailers often carry the newest hybrids, such as ‘Imperial Star,’ which is bred to produce a crop in its first year when grown as an annual. This broad access allows gardeners to select varieties tailored to specific taste or ornamental preferences.
The convenience of direct delivery is counterbalanced by the risk of “shipping shock,” where live plants suffer stress or damage during transit. When ordering potted plants or starts, vet the seller for transparent shipping policies and positive reviews regarding plant health upon arrival. Seed packets are the most reliable item to purchase online, as they are durable and not susceptible to shipping damage.
Online purchases require careful timing, especially for live plants, to ensure the delivery window aligns with your local planting schedule. Since you cannot physically inspect the material, you must rely on the seller’s description and trust the vendor’s reputation for providing vigorous, disease-free stock.
Finding Local Retailers and Growers
Acquiring artichoke plants locally offers immediate quality control, allowing you to inspect the health and size of the plant before purchase. Independent garden centers and local nurseries are the best places to find starts already acclimatized to your regional climate. The stock they carry is often selected because it performs well in the local microclimate, increasing the likelihood of a successful transition to your garden.
Local growers often sell established plants that are more robust than mail-order alternatives. They can also provide specific advice on planting depth and soil amendments unique to your area. Farmers’ markets or plant swaps sometimes offer offsets or divisions from mature perennial plants, often the ‘Green Globe’ variety, a classic choice for mild-winter regions. Choosing a local supplier also supports the regional horticultural economy.
Choosing Between Seeds, Starts, and Bare Roots
The choice of planting material—seeds, starts, or bare roots—determines the effort required and the time until harvest.
Seeds
Seeds are the most economical option, but they demand the longest lead time, requiring indoor sowing eight to twelve weeks before the last expected frost. Artichoke seeds must undergo vernalization, a chilling period involving exposure to temperatures between 45 and 50°F for at least ten days. This process promotes flower bud development, allowing the plant to produce buds in its first year when grown as an annual.
Starts
Starts, or potted transplants, are the simplest choice for the beginner gardener, as they eliminate the need for germination and vernalization. These young plants are typically ready to be set directly into the garden after the danger of hard frost has passed, providing the quickest path to a harvestable bud. Because artichokes are tap-rooted, purchasing starts in larger pots minimizes the root disturbance that can stunt growth after transplanting.
Bare Roots
Bare roots, also known as crowns or offsets, are sections of the root system or side shoots cut from a mature perennial plant. This material is primarily used in mild climates where artichokes are grown as true perennials. Bare roots provide the most established plant material and often yield a harvest earlier than first-year seedlings. They require careful handling and are generally planted in the fall or very early spring, depending on the local climate.
Timing Your Purchase for Planting Success
The timing of your purchase is directly linked to the form of the plant material and your local growing season.
If you choose seeds, buy them in late winter or early spring for an indoor start date, typically in January or February. This early start is crucial for growing a plant large enough to undergo vernalization before the summer heat arrives.
Potted starts should be purchased closer to the last expected spring frost date, as they are sensitive to freezing temperatures. For perennial growers, bare roots are often timed for fall planting, allowing the root system to establish over winter for a spring harvest. When grown as an annual, plant starts outside three to four weeks before the frost-free date to induce budding.