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!
Side view:
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?
