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PLANTING INSTRUCTIONSArtichokes can be either directly sown outdoors or can be started indoors. Artichokes require rich soil and regular watering. To start, sow 3-4 artichoke seeds per 8-10 square inch area and about ¼ inches deep. Keep the sown area dark and warm until seeds germinate in 20 to 25 days. In case you are starting seeds indoors, transplant the seeds outdoors two weeks after the last winter frost.GROWING REQUIREMENTSPESTSBeing a hardy plant, artichokes can deter most of the pests and diseases on their own. Still, however, some pests like slugs can eat and damage the new leaves during spring and summer. Best way to get rid of slugs is to just remove them manually from the plants.SOILArtichokes grow well in rich, fertile, well-drained soil that is sandy or loamy. The soil pH should range between 5.6 to 6.6.SPOTArtichokes can thrive in full or partial sun. Plant artichokes in a spot that receives a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day.TEMPERATUREIdeally, the temperature to grow artichokes should range between 15 to 25 °C(50 to 75 °F).WATERINGArtichokes need a lot of watering. However, please ensure that there is good drainage for the plant so as the artichoke plant is not sitting in a soggy soil bed. Extremely warm weather can cause the artichoke buds to directly produce flower instead of producing fruit. In such cases, mulching around the plant will help retain soil moisture and prevent evaporation.HOW TO HARVESTOnce the artichoke bud is fully formed, you can harvest it by cutting with a sharp knife. One stem of artichoke plant may produce many buds and the top ones will be ready first. A slightly open bud may have better colour and flavour but a fully open artichoke bud becomes inedible and produced beautiful lilac flowers. Artichokes will not store for very long and must be consumed with 4-5 days after harvesting.