Artichoke

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Mediterranean basin

Growth Habits: Specimen plant to 4 feet high 6 feet wide, dies off in summer, grows back in fall

Watering Needs: Regular water when growing (September to June)

In Phoenix, artichokes are great looking specimen plants. They bloom in spring, the flower bud is the artichoke and can be eaten then, if left on the plant it turns into a spectacular 6 inch blue flower. After bolting, the plants looks leggy and overgrown, they should be cut down. When the summer heat arrives, the plants looks like it is dying and dries out. Cut the stems down to about 4-6 inches from the ground, they will restart in the fall. When they restart, separate the offsets, to keep one or two main stems. The offsets can be replanted somewhere else very easily.