Artichokes may evoke memories of spring and summer al fresco meals, but over at Martha Stewart's farm, prep for growing these delicious and nutritious plants starts now.
'I start sowing seeds indoors soon after the New Year,' Martha states on her blog. Starting from seed is not difficult to do, but it does require careful attention and patience. And once the seedlings start to develop, it’s important to keep up with maintenance care – thin out seedlings that are weak, prick out those that are growing too big for their seed starting trays, and transplant them into larger pots and flats.'
She explains that getting a head start on growing artichokes is crucial when you're working with seedlings (particularly because they can take two years to fully grow into edible plants).
'Here at my farm, all my delicious artichokes start as seed,' Martha writes. 'It’s important to start vegetable seeds early, so they are ready in time to plant outdoors once the weather is right.'
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Martha explains that if you want to grow your own artichokes from seeds, it's important to keep a close watch on them as they grow.
'Artichoke seeds are small, so one must take time dropping them – one per cell,' she states. 'It’s a good idea to keep a record of when seeds are sown, when they germinate, and when they are transplanted. These observations will help organize a schedule for the following year.'
Additionally, she explains that she uses Miracle-Gro (also available at Amazon) for repotting and recommends firming up the surrounding soil while avoiding handling the seedling by its tender stems. They will thrive in sunlight (so if you have a greenhouse, this is ideal).
'They will sit on one of the long sliding tables where they can be checked every day,' Martha writes. 'The plants will have good exposure to light and can continue to grow until they are ready to plant outdoors.'
Growing artichokes may require the patience of a seasoned pro, but as Martha Stewart proves every year, the reward is well worth the discipline. By starting your seeds now and keeping a meticulous eye on their progress, you aren’t just planting a vegetable – you’re cultivating a garden staple that will flourish for seasons to come.
