Prepare and plant artichokes (Cynara) correctly and then enjoy the home-grown delicacy in autumn: Here you can find out how you can do it.
Whether boiled, fried, roasted or as a dip - artichokes are a real delicacy. They taste slightly tart and can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. Artichokes are also medicinal plants. For example, they relieve flatulence and lower cholesterol levels.
But most people only know artichokes from a can. It's a pity really, because the delicious vegetables can also be grown in your own garden. There are just a few key points to keep in mind.
How to grow artichokes
❶ Prefer artichokes from February
The delightful artichoke company will start growing for you in the first week of February. You need germinable seeds from the garden trade, growing pots with drainage holes, high-quality growing substrate, cling film and, last but not least, a warm spot in the house.
If you have everything together, then proceed as follows:
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for at least two hours.
- Then clean the seed pots thoroughly.
- Spread the growing medium loosely into the pots, but do not press down.
- Put a maximum of four seeds in a seed pot and sprinkle thinly with substrate.
- Cover pots with cling film.
- Move the pots to a warm spot indoors (about 23°C).
- Keep the substrate moist for the coming weeks.
- Remove the foil once a day and air it for an hour.
If you have done everything right, you will see the first germs at the end of February. Then also keep the germs regularly moist and leave the pots where they are indoors until May.
❷ Prepare bed for artichokes
While the seedlings are growing, you should prepare the bed in the garden. Artichokes like it warm and sunny. Wind-protected areas on the south side of the house are particularly suitable for cultivation. The soil should have a neutral to slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 and 8 and, above all, be very nutritiousbe.
If you keep animals indoors or have a compost heap, you can generously work manure or compost into the bed in March. The nutrients then have enough time to distribute themselves before you plant the young artichokes.
❸ Planting artichokes outdoors
In May, choose the largest and strongest specimens from the artichokes that you prefer and keep a planting distance of about 60 centimeters. The soil must never dry out completely in the coming weeks and months, but it should also not stand in water. So water regularly in the morning or evening hours. Since artichokes tolerate lime very well, you can also use tap water without hesitation. You can then harvest the first artichokes you have grown yourself by September at the latest.