Artichoke plant having babies

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DesertRattess Phelan, CA(Zone 8b) Sep 02, 2008

I have an artichoke plant that is about 2 feet high and about 3 feet wide. I got a few chokes off it early in the season and then when it got really hot, all the newly budding chokes seemed to dry up. Now, overall, the plant doesn't look all that healthy anymore. But just yesterday I noticed a baby artichoke plant growing from near the base of the plant. This is like a whole new plant, not just a new vegetable. It's probably about 6" high and 6" wide. I was thinking I should cut off the "parent" and let the baby grow. I live in So. Calif. and the growing season easily extends through October, which would give it plenty of time to develop. So, what do you all think?

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Ladybeetle zone 7, TX Sep 03, 2008

I was just reading this morning on a Ferry Morse pack of seeds on the Emerald Artichoke that although heads can be harvested the first year, it is advised that the plants be cut back to allow for greater yields during following years. 'Emerald' should over-winter well and will produce artichokes to eat in the spring.PVP Protected.(?)

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DesertRattess Phelan, CA(Zone 8b) Sep 05, 2008

Thanks for the info. Not sure if this is the first year or not since it was already fairly sizeable when I purchased it. I guess I'll wait a little longer before cutting off the "mama." :)

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joy112854 Crestview, FL Oct 12, 2008

This next Spring I'm going to be planting artichoke seeds in NW Florida and know nothing about them can anyone help me out here? I plan on starting them in the house as seeds in January and then transferring them out to the greenhouse and come March should have a plant right? I'm not even sure which part of the plant is edible, all I know is that they are expensive and I use them a lot in my cooking, so thought if I grew them, I could save some money?
joy112854

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Ladybeetle zone 7, TX Oct 16, 2008

The part you eat is the flower. Or I should say, PART of that flower. You will see once it grows , what the artichokes look like and then you will recognize it. Once you cut that 'flower' off and open it you will find prickley petals that surround a thistlely center. UNDER this thistle, having been scraped off with a spoon you will find the
meat or the "choke'. I've heard its called the choke because you could ' choke' on it if you got it stuck in your throat. but who knows, that doesn't usually happen . Normally you wouldn't cut into one until its steamed or boiled. Look it up on the internet and you will find out ways to cook one. THey are delish!

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