Topic: Artichokes Got the Droop!
growsherown
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Posted: May-15-2004 at 7:52pm
I just purchased 2 gallon pots containing 6 artichoke plants from a nursery. They are the "Imperial Star" variety.
After dividing and planting them in the bed, they have drooped! They do pop back up every day, then droop again. I ammended the soil well with what I learned they need, and also the C.O.F., but they still look, "hungover".
Will they make it? Im not to concerned if they produce this year or not, but I do have hopes for next year with these. If theyre gonners, I may opt to try TSC seed for "Green Globe" next year, to spite the whole poor germination thing. Im determined, if nothing else! LOL!
gary
Location: Washington, Puget Sound Corridor
Posted: May-16-2004 at 6:35am
I had to look up Imperial Star because it is a common variety in the east to produce a crop where artichokes will not overwinter. Niether TSC nor West Coast sell it but Nichols does and states that it will overwinter in NW.
That stated, I believe that Artichokes can be heavy users of water especially when they in growth cycle. They are grown in the fogging CA counties, not the dry ones. Your symptons sound like the plant is short on water uptake ability. Were the plants root bound?
Some California folks even stimulate a 2nd fall crop by shorting water in high summer and then watering in late summer to get the second bloom attempt to kick in.
And it you ever let one bloom, you'll see why so many use them and cardoons in their landscape.
Gary
growsherown
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Posted: May-17-2004 at 8:01am
Ooooooooo yes...I had a small one given to me last year that bloomed.....a purple thistle type flower......beautiful!
Unfortunately, unexperienced as I was w/ this vege, I didnt know that it comes back yearly, and I took it out. DUH!
They seem to be "perkier" now then they were, but I did notice if the bed gets even slightly dry, the droop is on. In the early mornings, cold and damp, they stand up nice and tall...lush. But by afternoon, they look like cooked greens! Guess I'd better keep on top of the watering.
They really didnt look pot bound to me, either. Maybe I shocked them when I divided them.
Oyyyyyeeeee.....so much to learn, so little time!
As far as the 2nd bloom goes, after I short the water, should I maybe try a bloom feeder like 0-10-10 or something to encourage a 2nd bloom?
Thnx for your help, gary!
growsherown
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Posted: May-31-2004 at 9:35am
**Update**
Theyre doing great now! I did lose one tho, but the other 5 are thriving! Tnx for all the help!

Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton