Growing your own artichokes!
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December 10, 2011 — Can you grow your own artichokes? Mike McGrath discusses how people outside of California can attempt to coax this edible thistle along. Plus your fabulous phone calls.
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Mike: I went to THE website (that’s what I call your site) and was shocked; for the first time, your alphabetical index failed me. You have no information on artichokes! From the little I could find elsewhere on the web, it seems like it’s possible to raise artichokes down here in the South, but there was conflicting information on what varieties would be best to try; and not a lot of info at all on how to care for the plants. Do you have any advice/expertise to share? I’m sick of paying $3-4 to get a 'choke fix’! Thanks! Get the answer »
2 Responses to Growing your own artichokes!
Share your gardening problems, solutions or ventures in the comment section below. We'd love to hear from you!
John Saia March 9, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Dear Mike: I was at a friend's house in Sterling, Virginia outside Washington, DC and his neighbor had these huge palm trees planted in the ground in late January in the snow. How is this even possible! My friend told me they have been there for many years. Can you shed some light on this mystery? John in Potomac Falls, VA Link to photos attached.
Sarah Kaizar March 11, 2013 at 1:42 pm
Hi John -- Mike McGrath reviewed your question and offers: "They may be cold-hardy varieties or plants that just resemble palms, like yuccas. But yes, its doable... This was a HUGE deal a decade or so ago; there was a guy who was an evangelist for growing seemingly tropical plants in the Northeast, but I can't remember his name right now. This looks to be the best current book on the subject: http://www.amazon.com/Bananas-Tropical-Plants-Climate-ebook/dp/B003ODI7FA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362930791&sr=1-1&keywords=hardy+bananas ---Mike McG"