Artichoke (Perennial) : Yucca or Adam's Needle

Yuccas are widely grown as architectural plants providing a dramatic accent to landscape design. They tolerate a range of conditions, but are best grown in full sun

Yuccas are widely grown as ornamental plants in gardens. Many species also bear edible parts, including fruits, seeds, flowers, flowering stems,8 and more rarely roots. References to yucca root as food often stem from confusion with the similarly pronounced, but botanically unrelated, yuca, also called cassava (Manihot esculenta). Roots of soaptree yucca (Yucca elata) are high in saponins and are used as a shampoo in Native American rituals. Dried yucca leaves and trunk fibers have a low ignition temperature, making the plant desirable for use in starting fires via friction.9 In rural Appalachian areas, species such as Yucca filamentosa are referred to as "meat hangers". The tough, fibrous leaves with their sharp-spined tips were used to puncture meat and knotted to form a loop with which to hang meat for salt curing or in smoke houses.

Asteraceae Cynara cardunculus

This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Artichoke (Perennial): Globe

Yucca or Adam's Needle

Artichoke is considered to be one of the ultimate vegetables. No other vegetable is quite as decadently delicious when cooked fresh from the garden. This is somewhat ironic when you consider that it is actually a kind of Thistle.

Artichokes are quite nutritious, but we don’t eat them in sufficient quantity for them to be an important food source. Also the sprawling plants need a lot of space, so the yield per square foot is very low. In a suitably mild and moist climate they are perennial, often yielding for 5 years or more. They are also quite low maintenance and need almost no attention.

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Basics

Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Perennial
Growing Habit: -
Hardiness: Hardy

They are quite frost tender. In cool weather they are grown as annuals and in warm weather they are grown as perennials.
Crops: Spring Transplant
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: -
Growing Conditions: Cool, Warm

They grow best in the mild, damp, maritime climate of coastal California. The plants won't survive in cold winters, so in Northern areas they must either be grown as annuals or protected over the winter. They need full sun.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 45°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 55°F

Don’t plant out until all frost danger is past and the soil has warmed up to at least 55˚ F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool, Warm)

Artichokes are native to the Mediterranean and need full sun for best growth.
Water: Moderate

Though relatively drought tolerant, Artichokes yield better if the soil is kept evenly moist. Water is especially crucial when the buds are developing.
Feeder: Light

Artichokes are most productive when grown without any check in their growth, which means they must get all the nutrients they need. They are usually fed annually with a mulch of compost or aged manure. You can also use an occasional foliar feed of compost tea or liquid kelp.
Suitability: Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel

Artichokes can be grown in containers, but it's tricky and requires a lot of work. It's important to choose a pot with the right dimensions. Your container needs to be at least 20" deep and 36 to 40" in diameter. Choose a pot that has several drain holes on the bottom, as Artichokes are very susceptible to being waterlogged. Line the bottom with large stones/gravel or netting to prevent soil erosion and fill with a light and loamy, moisture-retaining soil. Incorporate fertilizer such as compost or manure a few days before you plant your Artichokes. Artichokes require lots of water and nutrients. Water well 3 to 4 times a day, and fertilize regularly with compost tea every 1 or 2 weeks. It can also be helpful to use a high-nitrogen fertilizer for the first 3 to 4 weeks. Make sure your artichokes receive plenty of sunshine.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Color: Purplish Green
Fruit Size: 2.0 - 4.0"
Plant Height: 48.0 - 72.0"
Plant Diameter: 48.0 - 72.0"
Hardiness Zone: 7-14
Disease Resistance: -
Taste Profile: Meaty heart, full nutty flavor. Popular with chefs.
Rotation Group: Perennial

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Plant Guide

Artichoke (Perennial) : Yucca or Adam's Needle

Yuccas are widely grown as architectural plants providing a dramatic accent to landscape design. They tolerate a range of conditions, but are best grown in full sun

Yucca or Adam's Needle

Basics