[Arid_gardener] Re: Globe Artichokes.

[Olin Miller]

The quote was from an out-of-print publication.

The reference to pruning back moderately is apparently to reduce
transpiration so it will die back earlier.  But you don't need to cut
back the plant until it dies back which it will do with no help from
you.  I used to cut it off at ground level but other people have
recommended to cut it below ground.level so I don't believe that is too
important.   But it needs to be covered with mulch to keep the roots
from drying out until there is new growth.  You may not need to water
the plant during the dormant period if your soil has good moisture
holding qualities.  You need to test the soil for moisture to determine
if or when it needs water.  Too much water will drown the roots and
cause rot.

Olin
======================================================

----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob &/or Sherry Cline"
<bscline4 at msn.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 30, 2006 7:11 PM
>  ... > a little more info please.  You say to "moderately cut back in
> June".  Can you describe "moderately cut back"?  Someone at a nursery
> told me to cut it back almost to the ground????  Also, it says to let
> it go dormant and cut back on the water......cut back to how often,
> here in Phoenix?  I will start watering again in August, etc.
=======================================================

.


> ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Olin Miller"
> <derGartenArzt at worldnet.att.net>
> Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2006 6:42 PM
>> ...
>> The following was gleaned from an out-of-print Maricopa County
>> publication and probably has more information that you wanted.
>>
>> "         Planting: Plants can be grown readily from seed, but so
>> much plant variation results that this method is not encouraged. The
>> seedlings may be transplanted when six or eight inches high, to a
>> permanent-place. These transplanted seedlings usually bear within a
>> year. Off­shoots or suckers from old plants of good type are
>> preferred.. Plants grow readily from these suckers detached from-the
>> root crown and furnish an excellent means of propagation. Remove the
>> shoots carefully with a knife or sharp spade so as to get a small
>> part of the parent root at base of the shoot. Many such plants can
>> thus be taken from a single root-crown and a few of the best shoots
>> left for growth. Shorten the leaves on those suckers somewhat to
>> reduce moisture loss of the transplant until the new roots are
>> formed. These sprouts can be planted at once in permanent place in
>> moist soil. The old plant will continue bearing for years. Trans
>> planting is best done during early spring, about March.
>>          Irrigations: Irrigate to maintain good soil moisture to 2-3
>> feet deep. Avoid excessive wet soil. Also, don't allow the plants to
>> become droughty.
>>
>>          Harvest: Globe artichokes, being flower buds, should be
>> harvested as soon as they reach peak size and development and before
>> the scales start to mature and open. In this condition they are more
>> tender and a larger portion is edible. If buds are allowed to flower,
>> growth of the shoots below is suppressed or stopped. Hence, prompt
>> cutting as soon as buds reach prime condition insures a longer
>> bearing season. The plants should be allowed to make free top growth
>> to replenish root reserve for the next season.   About June the
>> plants should be moderately pruned back and mulched and allowed to go
>> dormant for several-weeks. During dormancy, reduced soil moisture is
>> needed. About August start regular irrigating and cultivating to
>> force good growth through the fall.  A moderate fertilization of
>> 16-20-0 or similar chemical fertilizer at this time can be helpful.