The beautiful artichoke

[ninnymary]

Those artichoke fields are common in the castroville area where they grow. They remind me of pineapple fields. My neighbor 2 houses down always plants them. But she doesn't harvest them cause she likes them as flowers. I wouldn't mind growing them except that they are pretty large plants.

Mary

 

[aftermidnight]

They are borderline in my zone, depends on what kind of winter we get but I know several people who are growing them successfully, I've never tried myself, but I sure like eating them, lemon juice and melted butter .

Annette

 

[w_r_ranch]

I would think that you are warm enough for them to overwinter. I must carefully select seed for northern gardens that have proven to fruit with the cold trick.

Normally they would have been fine... I believe that prolonged 18 degree day did them in though.

 

[catjac1975]

I must admit to thinking that you were looking at your artichoke through rose-tinted glasses, Cat'.

But, that is a good picture of a fine example of the more important part of the plant. Having them in your location sounds challenging!

Fields of artichokes in California, however, have to be some of the strangest scenery I've ever come across.

Steve
Mom probably thought i was a beautiful child, too

Funny. I think the whole plant is so beautiful. Nothing seems to eat the leaves, they are just green perfection. And they make a lovely flower if you forget to eat them in time.

 

[bobm]

I grew plenty of artichokes over the years.
enough to eat them almost every day as well as give away grocery bags full to friends and relatives. Every year the artichoke stems near and on the choke was covered head to tail with aphids.

 

[catjac1975]

I grew plenty of artichokes over the years.
enough to eat them almost every day as well as give away grocery bags full to friends and relatives. Every year the artichoke stems near and on the choke was covered head to tail with aphids.

I have never had any pests. I only get enough for a treat now and then. I am not exactly in artichoke country. I would sure love such abundance.