Lithuanian Artichokes

Sprinkraft@aol.com
Tue, 3 Feb 1998 15:03:29 EST

Continental Climates can produce artichokes fairly well, even though this
plant is not fit for extended periods below freezing. To grow a commercial
crop of artichokes in a climate where winter temps can drop to 15F: In the
fall start seed in flats and gradually replant them into larger containers,
ending up with a plant 1/3 meter high in a 3 or 4 litre pot, and plan on
planting them in the field as close to the last hard freeze date as possible.
There is risk in planting early, and this may be alleviated by floating row
cover, or moveable hoop-frame "greenhouses", but one must get them in the
ground well before hot weather.

Here in Central Texas, Spring can last for only a few days. We are 100 miles
south of San Diego California latitude, but may still hit 28F on the 21st of
April. Nontheless, given the continental nature of the climate ( Chihuahua
desert to the south, Saskatchewan and the High Plains to the north) we are
able to produce crops like artichokes using such tricks as greenhouses and row
cover.

Seed of Cynara scolymus (Globe Artichoke) available from Johnny's Selected
Seeds, Albion, Maine. One ounce ( approimately 600 seeds of Imperial Star
artichoke will cost around 30 dollars US, including shipping.
http://www.johnnyseeds.com. EMAIL: homegarden@johnnyseeds.com

That variety, sown in Fall will bear artichokes in late Spring/early Summer of
the following year.

Steve Sprinkel
Austin, Texas

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