Globe artichokes

[caroline7758]

I have two globe artichoke plants which survived the winter and I noticed yesterday they have some fruit on, but right at the bottom of the plant- they don't seem to be putting any height on at all. What would cause this? The fruit don't look great either- brown tinges and holes.

[caroline7758]

[Squash64]

Does it look like this Caroline? I took this photo this morning.
This fruit seems to be quite low too, but I have no idea why.
Usually they are on stalks about 2ft high.

[caroline7758]

Yes, that's the same.

[Tora]

I have about 10 plants and all have done the same. I put it down to splitting the plants earlier this year but maybe not...

[Squash64]

I don't think it matters if the fruit is low down though,
so long as it looks healthy it will be ok to eat.

[antipodes]

That is rather odd but I don't think it makes any difference for eating. I just got my first two; I have loads on the bushes this year and we will be eating them tonight :)

[caroline7758]

Thanks for the replies- I'll keep an eye on them. Should I be feeding them now?

[Squash64]

Thanks for the replies- I'll keep an eye on them. Should I be feeding them now?

I've never thought of feeding mine!

[pigeonseed]

Ooh exciting news - I must check mine when I'm next down in case they're hiding low-down heads!

I've always thought they would like feeding - mine were too close together last year and the crop was rubbish, so I assumed that was to do with being greedy feeders. I've separated them this year and given them some manure. 

[Deb P]

I grew my violetta artichokes from seed the year before last, about half made it through the winter (but to be fair I did nothing to protect them!) and the surviving four are putting out a load of new foliage but with no sign of flowering yet.. 

[Squash64]

My husband has taken over part of my plot and filled it with artichokes.  He wouldn't
consider himself to be a gardener, but I think he's done really well.  He grew them all
from side shoots given to him by his brother.

[Deb P]

Update, two of my plants have developed globes now, nicely flushed violet and close to the foliage at the moment...

[squeezyjohn]

Only one of mine made it through the winter.  I did give them a covering of straw to try and coax them in to a second year - but it's only just pulled through and the leaves have only just started to come back on to what is a very exposed site.

Certainly no artichokes on it as yet.  I can't believe some people's are doing so well already.

[artichoke]

Mine are strong 2 yr old plants, and I covered them in polythene over the winter, having lost all my plants the winter before. They look nice, but there is not a hint of a bud yet. I am envious.

[Digeroo]

I have not fed mine. I grew purple ones from seed and they have all gradually died, so I have one surviving green one which seems indestructible this is year 5.  It is huge.  I do not know how big it might get if I feed it. 

[Tora]

I'm glad to report that my first crop of artichokes was perfectly fine. Delicious!
I've never fed my plants and they are pretty much trouble free.