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[OC] Want bee butts? Grow artichokes! (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 months ago by to c/gardening@lemmy.world
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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/50109406

Bumblebees and honeybees alike go gaga for artichoke flowers. They really have to dig in there to get to the nectar, but given how many other wildflowers are currently blooming in my yard right now that don't require spelunking that the bees could be feeding from instead, the artichokes must be producing some really premium nectar to be worth the extra trouble!

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[–] [S] 2 points 3 months ago (6 children)

What's going wrong, specifically?

I grew mine from seed and it's been a pretty easy plant. Regular watering, occasional fertilizer, mulch in winter is about all I do for it. I think I'm in an amenable climate for them; some of my neighbors have huge artichoke plants. I've had some issues with their getting crowded and shaded out, but they always grow back. This particular plant is about 3 years old.

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  • [–] 2 points 3 months ago (5 children)

    They just wither and die without ever really getting established. The outer leaves seem to go brown faster than new inner ones can replace them.

    I haven't been fertilising them as they've always been so small. Maybe I should try that

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 3 months ago (4 children)

    It sounds like there's something in their environment that they're responding to poorly, like not enough sun or the wrong kind of soil or incorrect water levels, that's preventing them from getting established and growing up healthy and happy. It's possible they're not getting enough nutrition, although in my experience perennial plants are hardier on that front. Do you grow from seed or starts? Do you always plant them in the same spot or have you tried a few different areas? Are you growing in-ground or in containers?

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  • [–] 2 points 3 months ago (3 children)

    I've sown them indoors from seed 3 years running but they invariably died after planting out. I tried various locations.

    It's possible I was a bit eager. There's still a risk of frost until May here but I prefer to get going in April. Since they overwinter I assumed it was safe but that might only be established plants.

    Our soil is really sandy without much organic matter and poor moisture retension. The beans need watering daily in summer. We're with facing though so get plenty of sun. I may have watered inconsistently but I reckon I've generally got a good feel for that.

    This year I got a seedling and it's done better (is still alive). I put a lot of compost into the bed last winter and was really on it with the aphids in spring (of which there were many). Maybe we'll see it flower next year...

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 3 months ago (2 children)

    Do you harden off your seedlings? That can help with transplant shock. Also if you're not using a grow light indoors, they might be getting a rough start (sunny window is rarely sufficient). Like many perennials you may need to be patient and wait until the plant is established and successfully overwinters before you can get any artichoke heads off the plant. It's also possible you need to try a different variety.

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  • [–] 2 points 3 months ago (1 child)

    I've tried hardening off with a day release in the garden but tbh I'm just going through the motions as I can't really see any difference! I don't have a cold frame but I tried a poly tunnel and things just end up bolting (presumably they're too warm for the amount of sun in spring).

    I've been wondering about grow lights in any case, that's worth a try. Good point about the variety, I'd been using the same seeds and maybe they just weren't right.

    Thanks for the suggestions.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 3 months ago

    I hope you have better luck in the future! I think all gardeners have at least one plant that's just "cursed." For me, it's spinach. No idea why, but I have never been able to grow a spinach plant to the point of harvest, even though it's supposed to be a relatively easy crop and I live in a perfect climate for it.

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