UNCE Orchard Growing Artichokes in the Desert.MP4

This video describes how artichokes are grown in the harsh desert soil and climate of the Las Vegas Valley.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• UNCE orchard
• artichoke
• gardening
• desert
• southern Nevada
• Las Vegas

[Extremehort]

They really suffer in the heat and of course attract alot of aphids when it is cooler and whitefiles during the heat. HOWEVER they are marvelous at attracting green lacewings and ladybird beetles as well. So they begin to yellow during the heat and scorch but will pick back up when it cools in the fall with a nice fall crop as well. If the soil is improved and the plants mulched they will survive. We now have about 8 varieties we are testing for our climate.

[herbprophet]

how can you tell when to harvest these im growing them in AZ, and they look almost done.

[Extremehort]

@herbprophet Get them before the bracts or buds begin to open. Secret to large buds is the age of the plant, fertility level and watering sufficiently. Mulch the plants to help modulate soil moisture. Make sure these plants are growing in soils with good soil improvement. Cut off buds with 2 to 3 inches of stem. Use a clean knife. They will keep for three days in the refrigerator. Alternatively you can let the bud go to flower and use the flower in arrangements. Looks like a big thistle.

[Extremehort]

They will grow about four to five feet in diameter by the second year if you plant them with plenty of compost and in improved desert soils. So plant them about four to five feet apart in the row. Between rows plant them far enough apart to get down the row with any harvesting equipment you will need such as a wagon. Ours are planted so that we have about two feet to walk between them so about 7 to 8 feet between rows.

[Extremehort]

They will grow in Las Vegas. They struggle during the heat but they do very well during the spring and fall months. Keep on top of the aphids and whiteflies and make sure you amend the soil with compost at planting and during the early spring and early fall months.

[SteveHarpster]

thanks for the video, your blog is great also. I grow tons of veggies in vegas. I have a hugh artichoke in one of my videos

[IAMZONIAN]

I thought artichokes were very sensitive to heat? Do they die in Vegas 110 degree summers and grow back in fall?

[chest002]

How far apart do you plant artichokes?

[whatweshouldknow]

so they will grow here in phx , i knew it