best way to start artichokes in winter?

Discussion in 'Fruit and Vegetable Gardening' started by natnkat, Feb 28, 2007.

  1. natnkat

    natnkat Member

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    I'm experimenting with trying to grow artichokes here in the zone2/3 prairies. I know I have to start them 12 weeks ahead of planting, and that's what I'm planning on doing very soon. However, I've heard that transplanting seedlings can be tricky, so I'm trying to decide what to plant my seeds in now. I could buy the pre-made seedling pots at the store (and then transplant them up a size when needed??), or fill 3" containers with seedling soil and plant there. I'll be using grow lights cuz we don't get enough sun yet. Has anyone had success with starting artichokes in either system? I don't know how big they'll get by May, so I don't know if I can just leave them in the seedling pot or if I should plant them in a bigger pot to begin with? Thanks for the help! Any other artichoke advice would be great!
     
  2. natnkat

    natnkat Member

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    Well, I've potted the surviving seedlings into 3" peat pots that are now boasting ~2 true leaves each. It's been an uphill road for them, between being picked by a toddler and the less-than-ideal growing conditions on top of my fridge.

    Does anyone have any help on how late I should set them out into the garden? I know that artichokes like warm weather, which we don't get reliably here til mid-May; I don't want them to get too spindly in the meantime either. Would love help of any kind.
     
  3. Durgan

    Durgan Contributor 10 Years

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