Hey everyone! I'm a first-year gardener and I just harvested four globe artichokes for a family meal, but I was really surprised by how little edible flesh there actually is. I'm considering ditching them for good and just buying the hearts from the store. For those of you who have more experience, do you find globe artichokes worth the effort, or would you rather use the space for something that yields more?
3 Answers
Honestly, I grow artichokes mainly because they look beautiful in the garden. If you're not in a Mediterranean climate, you might not get a good yield for the space they take up. If you're in California, though, it might be worth experimenting a bit more! I think it's all about the aesthetics sometimes rather than sheer production.
Haha, I'm in Liverpool and they just don't seem worth the space here! But I do agree they have a nice look.
They do take up a lot of space for what you get, but they're super easy to grow—here in CA, they almost grow like weeds! If you let them flower, they look awesome too. You might want to consider cardoons if you're looking for a bigger yield; they produce more, although blanching them can be a hassle.
I really enjoy globe artichokes, but you're right—there's not much "flesh" on the petals. The heart itself is where the flavor is, though! Maybe you just picked them too early; timing can make a big difference in how much you'll get from them.
That makes sense! They were delicious but honestly felt like just a few bites. Maybe I'll give them another shot next season.
I get that! I'm in a Mediterranean area and still find it tough to get enough production. Any tips for boosting growth on the Coast of CA?