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- 1). Start green globe artichoke seeds two months before the last frost. Spread soilless potting mix in a flat seeding tray. Moisten the mix if necessary by spraying with plain water from a spray bottle and mixing well. Sow the artichoke seeds in rows 1/4 inch apart. Cover gently with potting mix. Keep the tray indoors in an environment with temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the night and 60 to 70 degrees during the day. Keep the mix moist.
- 2). Transplant the seedlings to the garden in full sun when they are 6 to 8 weeks old. Garden soil should consist of sandy, well-draining soil with a high organic component. Protect the plants from frost. Mulch with a loose, coarse mulch to retain water and keep weeds at bay.
- 3). Ensure that the seedlings are exposed to at least 250 total hours of temperatures below 50 degrees. This is the vernalization process. Of course, it is not possible to control the weather, but start the plants early enough in the year that they receive this amount of cool temperatures. If you live in an area where winter temperatures stay above 14 degrees, you can start the artichokes in the fall for a spring harvest.
- 4). Irrigate often enough to keep the soil evenly moist.
- 5). Use insecticidal soap if you see black flies or aphids on the plants. If you see slugs or snails, sink shallow dishes even with ground level in the garden and fill the dishes with beer to lure them away from the artichokes.
- 6). Harvest green globe artichokes when the immature flowers are still closed tightly and the lower petals just begin to separate. A second round of flowers will grow after the first cutting.
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