Even the ancient Romans liked to eat artichokes. And even today, the thistle-like plant is very popular. It's good if you know how to grow and multiply it.
Artichoke plants usually produce a bountiful harvest. After three to five years, however, the plants are often overaged. For this reason, it is recommended that you take care of offspring regularly. To achieve this, you have two options: you can divide the plant or take seeds. Both methods work well.
Soil preparation and care for the young plants
Artichokes need nutrient-rich soil. So work in fresh compost before inserting and always make sure there is sufficient moisture. It is best to chop the soil occasionally as well, because then it remains loose. Also water regularly and occasionally use some nettle manure (instructions here) as a natural fertilizer.
Propagating artichokes by seed
❶ After flowering, large seeds with a length of up to seven millimeters are formed. Keep these seeds dry, cool and dark until sowing. Alternatively, you can also buy seeds.
❷ You can then start sowing from February. To do this, you have to put the seeds in warm water for a few hours and then put them in pots with potting soil. Always three to four pieces per pot.
❸ Now place the pots in a light, moderately warm place and always keep the substrate slightly moist. A temperature between 18 and 22 degrees is favorable. The first shoots appear after about three weeks.
❹ Depending on how quickly the young plants develop, you may need to repot them. Then gradually get the plants used to being outside by placing the pots in the fresh air from time to time when the weather is good. After the ice saints, put the young artichokes in the garden. The planting distance is about 80 centimetres.
Tip:
From April you can also sow the seeds directly outdoors, preferably in a warm cold frame. But then there won't be a harvest until next year.
Propagating artichokes by division
❶ Offshoots sprout next to the root of the mother plant. You have to cut off these parts of the plant in the spring. To do this, lift the entire plant out of the ground with a digging fork. Make sure that the sections already have strong roots and at least two shoots with leaves. The cut must be as smooth and straight as possible.
❷ In order for the new plant to develop well, you should shorten the upper leaves by about a quarter.
❸ You should then replant the separated pieces at the same depth as the mother plant, but in a new location. The old floor is usually used up and has to regenerate first. Again, the distance between the plants is 80 centimeters. Reading tip: Planting artichokes - explained step by step.