globe artichokes

[HappyCatz]

In the spring I sowed some artichoke seeds in an attempt to establish a perennial bed.  I then put five healthy plants into my bed and they have done very well, they are about 18" high with 4 or 5 healthy, spiky looking leaves.  Yesterday when I was at the lottie, I noticed that one of the plants had a large fruit on it about the size of an apple with a smaller one following on.  i did not expect to get a crop this year so my question is should i remove the artichokes so that the plant can get well established or should i just let it do it's thing? you help would be much appreciated :)

[HappyCatz]

[saddad]

Not my area... both plans sound plausible! ???

[tilts]

I have a number of globes and i would be inclined to take the globe off and enjoy it.

[cleo]

If one has got that size take it and enjoy-but take every other one of as soon as they appear. I`m a great believer in letting them establish so as to have a good harvest for years

[Susiebelle]

The information I researched (Sarah Ravens) advised that in the first year harvest fruits at the size of a golf ball, if you allow to grow any bigger will affect future harvests - hope this helps.

[Tora]

I would remove them while they are still very small (and eat them, of course).
They are far nicer when young anyway. :)

[Old bird]

Hi - My plants are just 2 years old now.  I let one of them flower last year and the other not.  One of them got to 5ft this year with about 6 heads and - not having a memory - think it is the one that I removed the heads off!

Good luck - they are beautiful looking plants even without the bonus of the artichoke heads!

;D

[HappyCatz]

thanks all for your replies, will be off down the lottie to take off their heads! :)