Artichokes originally come from the warm Mediterranean region, but are now becoming more and more common in our country. But do flowering vegetables also thrive perennial in cool Central Europe? Find out here!
Are artichokes perennial in Central Europe?
Artichokes are perennial plants, but in Central Europe they only thrive with good winter protection or digging, as they cannot tolerate frost. Protective measures such as covers made of sand, straw, manure or leaves and, if necessary, storage in winter quarters are important.
Artichokes produce flower stalks up to two meters high at least once a year, sometimes several times, on the tip of which the artichoke bud thrives. We actually eat the flower, which is why the artichoke is considered a flowering vegetable. Under favorable conditions, an artichoke plant can live up to five years, so in principle it thrives for several years.
Artichoke: Perennial only with good winter protection
Due to its warm country of origin, the artichoke is not used to frost and is unlikely to survive Central European winters without protection. In preparation for winter, dried inflorescences and leaves are removed before the first frost. The leaves are cut down to about five cm above the ground. Then a warm blanket is mixed against the frost. To do this, mix sand with
- Straw
- Crap
- or foliage.
Apply a layer about 20cm thick on and around the artichoke. Place brushwood about 10cm thick on the sand pile.
The alternative: digging out
If you want your artichoke to thrive for several years, you can also dig it up to be on the safe side. This is particularly recommended if a very long or very cold winter is expected. To do this, dig up the artichoke in autumn, cut off the leaves and flowers and clean the roots of soil as best as possible. Then place your artichoke in a planter with drainage and fill it with sand. Then store your artichoke in the basement or another cool place at around 15°C.
Remember to water your artichoke every now and then, even in winter, so that the root does not dry out. Find out here the best way to plant your artichoke in spring.
