Growing artichokes in Arizona involves reinventing possibilities, knowing whether you can grow the plants from scraps, the timing of the cultivation and harvest, replacement tips, and the best ways to plant the crop.
Artichokes are species that provide amazing health benefits for your well-being. Among these include improving your cardiovascular health, regulating the bowel movement, regulating blood pressure levels, and a great way to offer treatment for a hangover. Growing artichokes in Arizona, right in your backyard is one way to save money and resources.
Arizona is arable land for farmers and gardeners. The state’s agriculture is growing more than ever. Its agricultural land is utilized for animals that include sheep, beef cattle, goats, fish, and other species. Gardeners in the region are cultivating plants including corn, hay, alfalfa, wheat, cotton, olives, potatoes, citrus, and more.
Here are the best tips on how you can plant artichokes in this enticing region in the U.S.
How To Plant Artichokes In Arizona
Cultivating and harvesting this impressive kitchen ingredient in Arizona is very easy to do. Known as a very tasty harvest for the summer, artichokes have been known to produce recipes which include:
- Spinach and Artichoke Melts
- Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip
- Braised Artichokes with Tomatoes and Mint
- Poached Salmon with Artichoke Confit
- Fettuccine with Rabbit, Artichokes, and Fava Beans
Artichokes are more than just your creamy dip when eating out in a restaurant or visiting the buffet. It is both easy and challenging to plant artichokes right from their seeds so it is recommended that you begin with transplants divided off from the mature crop. If you are looking at growing several of these, make sure to plant these at four to six feet away from each other as they get sufficient sunlight.
These crops are water-lovers, and they require a constant water supply to consistently produce the tender buds. Similar to plants like thistle, the perennial abilities of the plant are taken from its roots. To stimulate the production of the strongest roots, you may water the plant once to thrice weekly, based on the weather patterns.
And, as you harvest artichokes, you will need the best utility knives for cutting the stem at their 45-degree angle, between one to three inches right from the bud’s base. Take note that the stem shall be your useful handle when you trim the artichokes eventually.
Remember, the central bud matures the fastest and as you go about harvesting, this is bound to produce shoots on the side with tiny buds around one to three inches. You can have these buds in their most tender and flavorful as well.
Can I Grow Artichokes From Scraps?
Growing plants from scraps mean planting them from the kitchen scrap stalks. Many have said that these are myths and urban legends, but several gardeners have succeeded in the process. How about growing artichokes in Arizona? Is the technique possible?
Artichokes, otherwise known as the sunchoke, can be a delicious and nutritious crop to grow. Among the preferred vegetables in the garden, these can grow up to eight feet tall.
However, know that many vegetables and herbs may regrow easily with roots at their base. Or, they tend to have stem cuttings that root out easily. Know which plants can grow from scraps because experts say not all can.
How Long Can You Keep Cutting Artichokes?
It takes five days for you to be able to keep cutting artichokes. According to specialists, storing artichokes at home may be different. Take note that you must avoid cutting or rinsing these before putting them on storage.
You may simply sprinkle a little water or place them inside airtight plastic bags sealed. Keep these sealed to let the artichokes freshen up for a maximum of five days. Since they can taste great, you may start cooking them the moment you have purchased them from the store.
If you are not too much of a fan of these artichokes, what you can do is to buy the canned variants. These are stored easily in your kitchen without the hassles.
When Should I Replace My Artichokes?
Replace your artichokes each year. First, taking care of the plants involves watering them to stimulate better production in colder atmospheres. In warmer areas, you can adapt the technique of cutting back the flower stalks and the larger leaves.
For mild winters and right after killing the frost, you can cut off these sizable leaves to leave steams, from which they are tied together. Around each of the plants, the Earth must be mounded. For colder weather conditions, cover the cut plant with the box that is also covered with a heavy blanket.
Right as the ground no longer freezes, remove the covers to avoid starting the shoots way early. A fourth of the plants must be replenished or replaced once per year. Older plants must be replenished with new ones to keep the production consistently. Take the side roots from the best plants to allow propagation. However, note that the shoot must be three inches long as you harvest early in the fall season.
What Is The Best Way To Plant These Artichokes?
Growing artichokes in Arizona involves many years of practice. But do not worry, as a beginner, you can be able to plant these artichokes in the best way possible with these tips.
Location, location, location
One of the phases in growing the artichokes at their best is looking for the right location. The ideal spots are those with great drainage and a lot of sunlight. Oftentimes, gardeners and greenhouse owners presume that these plants have not returned to the spring because of the cold winter season. Yet, you must know that soggy soil is not the best compliment.
When they consistently expose themselves in moisture, the artichoke crowns may damage the root systems. These crops may devour the nitrogen from the soil. Thus, if you are planting these in your vegetable greenhouses, perform companion planting which includes crops such as sunflowers, cabbages, peas, and tarragons.
The significance of pruning
Don’t forget to prune. Once the plant halts from producing their buds, especially in fall, the technique to do is pruning. It will prepare your plants for over-wintering in the upcoming months. To deal with this, cut the stem back a few inches from the ground.
You may also implement a thick mulch of leaves or straw on the artichoke bed to protect these plants from the harsh, cold winters. Then, take away the mulch in the spring.