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:
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...
