Artichokes not only look exotic, their origin is also quite exotic: they originally come from the eastern Mediterranean and can even be found wild in Persia and Africa. Therefore, the question arises: Are artichokes hardy? Or do you need winter protection? Learn how to overwinter your artichokes below.
How to protect artichokes in winter?
Artichokes are hardy to a limited extent and can thrive protected in Central European winters. To overwinter, cut off the leaves and inflorescences, cover the plant with an approximately 20 cm thick layer of leaves, sand and brushwood.
Artichokes are hardy to a limited extent
Despite their warm place of origin, the artichoke varieties available from us can normally tolerate Central European winters, provided they are adequately protected. So there is no need to dig up the artichokes and overwinter them in a frost-free place, although that is of course also an option.
Overwintering artichokes step by step
- Mix a bucket of sand with some leaves, straw or manure.
- Remove the dried inflorescences.
- Cut the leaves down to about 5cm above the ground using sharp secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon).
- Now apply a 15 to 20cm thick layer of the sand mixture on and around the artichoke.
- Then add brushwood to the mixture until the entire protection is approximately 30cm thick.
Dig up artichokes for overwintering
If you want to be on the safe side or live in an area where it gets particularly cold in the winter, you can also dig up your artichoke. Proceed as follows:
- Remove inflorescences and leaves as described above.
- Prick the area around the artichoke as deeply as possible with a pointed spade. Artichokes have very deep roots and it is advisable to preserve as much of the root as possible so as not to weaken the artichoke unnecessarily.
- Then carefully dig up the entire root ball.
- Clean the root, place it in a planter and fill it with sand.
- Store the pot in a cool place at about 15 degrees.
- Don't forget to water your artichoke every now and then to keep the root from drying out.
