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.
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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.
Yes, that's the same.
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...
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.
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 :)
Thanks for the replies- I'll keep an eye on them. Should I be feeding them now?
Quote from: caroline7758 on May 28, 2013, 16:15:09
Thanks for the replies- I'll keep an eye on them. Should I be feeding them now?
I've never thought of feeding mine!
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. :happy7:
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..
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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.
Update, two of my plants have developed globes now, nicely flushed violet and close to the foliage at the moment...
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.
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.
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.
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. :glasses9: