I'm trying to grow artichokes in Oklahoma. Everyone around here says it's impossible

[karlrschneider]

but being Oklahoma, most people don't have the foggiest idea what the hell they are anyway. So I bought a bunch of seeds on ebay and planted them. I have about a dozen HUGH (!) plants in the garden but so far they're just big sort of 'fern' looking things. About 4 feet in diameter but only a couple feet tall and so far just jagged-looking leaves. Do I need to do something to get them to make artichokes? I have tons of tomatos, corn, cukes, yellow squash & lots of herbs but the 'choke thing is new to me. Maybe it won't work or maybe our goofy weather (a LOT of June rain) is to blame? We love artichokes but in the gro stores they're about $2 apiece...grr.

[Gormy Cuss]

1. It sounds like they're growing properly.

Remember that the chokes are flower buds. Give the plants a dose of a flowering plant fertilizer if they don't form buds on their own. The normal progression is that the central stock will send up a bud, then smaller buds will form on the side shoots.

Can't help you with the rain except to say that in my climate they get most of their water in our winter rainy season and grow accordingly. By the time they bud our rainy season is just about over.
My plants are usually 4 ft tall before they bud but they're perennial here, not annual. You may see buds sooner.

[karlrschneider]

3. Okay thanks...it's raining - a lot - again today. Too much is as bad as too little...

Maybe worse, I can always -add- water! :D

The corn and tomatoes are doing okay so maybe the chokes will make some.

[KatyaR]

6. Do you know how much rain you've gotten over there, Karl?

Gary England just said that OKC has had 32.3 inches of rain since January 1. Stillwater was the highest in the state with 35.

I nearly fell off the couch.

[sazemisery]

2. Here is an article about how they grow

http://wy.essortment.com/howtogrowarti_ozn.htm

Hope this helps.

[karlrschneider]

4. Actually I did find that very link! I did what it said but I think our crazy weather

is confusing all the stuff in the garden...way cooler than normal spring but a LOT more than usual rain! Thanks!

[sazemisery]

7. My mums and sedum autumn joy are blooming

My okra needs sun soooo bad.

[LiberalEsto]

5. They might not bloom until the second year

I've been growing artichokes in Maryland for several years. They survive our winters and come back, but I just grow them for their amazing flowers. The chokes I get are way too tough and tasteless to eat.

[AlecBGreen]

8. they dont flower til the 2nd year

my dad had some method of tricking them into flowering the first year. Im sure you can look it up online. We grew them in WV, USDA hardiness zone 5/6 microclimate. Let me tell you, they require A LOT of attention so I hope you really like artichokes! They dont tolerate freezing temps or cold wind, both of which Im sure you get in your area. Be prepared to baby them over the winter...

They do taste delicious, though ;)