With spring planting almost behind us, it’s time to start thinking about how to grow green globe artichoke. These beautiful plants come in several different varieties, including purple, lilac, white, red, and yellow. They’re also called artichokes because of the leafy leaves they have. Growing these plants is very straightforward, especially if you follow some simple instructions. The only caveat is that you should choose a spot that gets at least six hours of light each day. Once established, your plants will stay green year-round.

When purchasing seeds for your green globe artichoke plant, pick up any loose or spongy green soil or bark. These things will provide the plant with vital nutrients as it tries to germinate. If you’re growing your vegetables garden in containers, use large potting soil with plenty of drainage. Green globe artichokes need a 90-day growing season, which means you should start planting seeds in the spring just before the first frost. Plant seeds in well-drained soil and use a three or four-inch planter.

Three important things to remember when planting your green globe artichoke variety are the zone that you’re planting them in, summer temperatures, and the months of the year in which you live. Different climates have different planting times. Earthworms begin to die back in the warmer months, which causes your plants to go dormant for a month or two. The last thing you want is for your vegetables to go moldy in your vegetable garden. You’ll want to get your seeds planted in cool zones during the cooler months of fall and winter, while planting vegetables in hot zones during the summer will stunt their growth.

Zones. There are several zones that are suitable for different kinds of plants. Start planting in the smallest zone that you’re comfortable with. Choose a sunny site for your planting beds so that they get the full benefit of indirect afternoon shade. Cooling soil temperatures may inhibit germination if the soil is too hot or dry.

Crops. If you’ve got other plants that need similar conditions, you can try intercropping. For example, you can grow peppers, onions, broccoli, and tomatoes in the same garden. If you’re growing your veggies in containers, try growing peas, beans, cucumbers, or squash where they can get indirect afternoon shade. You should also consider your hardiness zones when planning your garden planting schedule.

Compost. To prepare the soil for your plants, mix one part sand to two parts water with a light sand filter. This will let the soil condition for planting seeds and growing vegetables.

Green Globe Artichoke. The soil mixture, you mix in between the rows of your green globe artichoke mixture is what will keep the plant healthy and growing. Since the artichokes normally have a strong root system, you can expect these plants to grow well even in areas with some heat. However, it’s best to plant them after the last frost. After planting, cover the plant with mulch so that heat does not reach the tender roots.

Frost. In areas with milder temperatures, like up in the mountains, you can expect frost damage only at the most extreme temperatures. For container plants, however, the frost usually doesn’t last long enough for the roots to develop. For plants that prefer more sun, you can choose plants that like cooler temperatures; such as sunflowers, morning glories, and hostas.

Hot Showers. You should consider planting your vegetables or fruit plants in the shade on the hot days of summer. The heat can kill off both the roots and the plants, but if you do not plant them in the shade, they will be better protected from the midday heat. On the other hand, plant your seeds in the shade of an established tree near the planting site to get a more natural look.

Thistle Family. There are many types of plants with a strong root system such as the artichoke seeds. If you want to protect your artichoke plants from early frost, you can try to plant the seeds directly into a cold frame. Just don’t plant these thistle plants too close to other thistle family plants because their leaves could interfere with the other thistle flowers.

The climate requirements for each of these groups of plants are different. Your gardening information sources will inform you of which is best for your area. It’s also important to remember that each group of plants has unique watering requirements. So, you must have the correct watering plan for each group of plants depending on their stage of growth.