| I have allowed my first year artichokes to start flowering since you had mentioned the heads are normal sized starting at the 2nd year.They have beautiful flowers,but I have tried to research it and cannot find what to do now.When and should I cut them back.Do I cut them back then compost heavily.I use composted mulch would this suffice?Help!! I worked hard so far and do not want to ruin them. |
| Now that your plants have opened their flowers you can leave them on the plant to admire or you can cut them off the plant, stem and all, and set them in a vase or bucket to dry. They will retain their brilliant purple color in the center but the rest of the artichoke will turn a straw color. I use them in dried flower arrangements. Your plant will begin to die down on its own now that the weather is becoming consistently warm. When you see that happening you can cut everything down to ground level and mulch over the tops of the plants. They will rest until the weather cools down and then will resprout. When you see new growth, brush away the compost. Enjoy your artichokes! |
