I would love to see those fields.I must admit to thinking that you were looking at your artichoke through rose-tinted glasses, Cat'.
But, that is a good picture of a fine example of the more important part of the plant. Having them in your location sounds challenging!
Fields of artichokes in California, however, have to be some of the strangest scenery I've ever come across.
Steve
Mom probably thought i was a beautiful child, too
Yes I have to start them every year. I have tried overwintering them. Even with protection I have no luck. The seed is rated for zone 6 which should be fine but it does not work. The seed can be tricky to start. I soak them a few days plant in a peat pot or a 4x4 inch pot. They seem susceptible to fungus gnats or some other malady where they develop beautifully and then wither and die. I have had a few good years these last few, but this year they are outstanding looking in the garden. I have been using seed starting formula and then covering lightly with coir in Jan. or Feb. They need 200 days of cool temperature to trick them into fruiting. I put then in a large tunnel greenhouse open on 2 ends in early april which gave them a long cool time with out getting frosted. I think they would withstand a light frost but why chance it? There is no better tasting artichoke then fresh picked.
I would think that you are warm enough for them to overwinter. I must carefully select seed for northern gardens that have proven to fruit with the cold trick.
