Growing Artichokes in the Home Garden
One of the main reason to me for growing artichokes is when designing an herb bed, blend colors and leaf shapes together to make a stunning impact. Globe artichokes and milk thistles are spectacularly eye-catching plants of great presence in foliage beds. The globe artichoke is a perennial that is prized for its leafy flower bud. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was known for growing artichokes and many other unique fruits and vegetables in his home garden in Virginia from seeds imported from France.
Home gardeners in cool, coastal regions or places with mild winters and cool summers can grow artichokes. Adventurous gardeners in colder climates have had success growing globe artichokes. Plant the crop in the spring. Choose a location to plant that receives full sun. In areas where summers are excessively dry and hot, partial shade is preferred. Seek a protected position if you do not live in one of the favored growing areas so the plants have a chance to survive winter temperatures. Soil The best soil conditions for growing artichokes are rich, well-draining soils that do not dry out. Add aged manure, peat moss, or compost to the soil before planting.
It takes two years from seed for plants to reach bearing size. Sow seeds indoors in early spring in peat pots about six weeks before frosts will end outdoors. Plant the seedlings 3 feet apart in the home garden. Care In late fall, cut back the top growth and tie the remaining growths together over the crowns. Mulch the plants with hay or straw.
Harvesting Harvest the edible bud before it becomes a purplish thistle-like flower. The tuber is the part that is harvested of the Jerusalem artichokes, which actually belongs to the sunflower family but is often called an artichoke. Pick the artichoke buds while they remain tightly closed. A common complaint heard from gardeners in climates with dry, hot summers is that the leaves are often too tough to eat. Not to worry if this is the case with your growing artichokes; the flavorful hearts will be delicious and tender. Artichoke Benefits Artichoke hearts have been named as one of the top heart-healthiest foods due to their high concentration of antioxidants. As healing plants, artichokes aid digestion, guard against liver disease, lower cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar. Eating artichokes add 16 essential nutrients to your healthy diet including magnesium, fiber, vitamin C, and folic acid. 
As a healthful snack, there is no cholesterol or fat in artichokes. They are also low in sodium and calories. Artichokes leaves have long been used as an effective blood cleanser, to improve bile secretion, and to detoxify the liver. If you have overlooked the artichoke as a health food that tastes good, you should have a closer look! The tasty vegetable can be added to a garden salad, served on pizza, or savored in a healthy dip such as in one of the artichoke dip recipe below. Hearty Artichoke & Spinach Dip Ingredients for spinach artichoke dip recipe 12 ounces fresh artichoke hearts 12 ounce package of cream cheese 4 ounces of Parmesan cheese 1 ½ cup of fresh spinach 1 large clove of fresh garlic ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon of black pepper how to cook an artichoke Cook artichoke hearts and spinach on medium low for ten minutes or until the artichokes are tender. Drain. Heat cream cheese and add to vegetables. Stir in garlic and peppers. Mix well. Serve artichoke and spinach dip while still hot on toasted bread sticks or crackers. Go to Healing-gardens from Growing Artichokes |
