Pruning Perennial Vegies

Globe Artichoke "Green Globe"

There is no hard and fast rules for maintenance on perennial vegetables

Especially in Autumns such as this one we are having in Tasmania

Low rainfalls, warm temperature spikes and severe frosts

All weather patterns confusing to a garden heading into Winter

At this time of the year you may be surprised at what is actively growing

I work on the theory "If it has turned yellow or lost its leaves" its right to renovate

If your plants are green and putting on shoots,

leave it alone , its not ready for renovations.

 

Globe Artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are especially active at 

this time of year, putting on foliage bulk in the cooler months, 

disappearing from the garden in Summer

the opposite behaviour expected of perennials 

"Purple de Jesi" Globe Artichokes

Diligent gardening should have you pruning spent Globe Artichoke flowers out

in Late Spring  preventing seed spread

Mid - Late Summer when seeds are plump and set, collect and store

Pruning of Globe Artichokes is generally done in Mid - Late Summer also

Disposing of old foliage as the plant goes dormant

This is also a good time to split plants if you are able to keep the replanted crowns watered in hotter Late Summer months 

Now as we head into Winter, Globe Artichokes are getting bulky

and preparing to be the first to provide you with a Spring Veg harvest

If you renovate or prune now, be prepared to sacrifice you next seasons crop

Heritage varieties (which not surprisingly most Globe Artichokes are)

will be blossoming come September, especially smaller bud forms such

as "Violetta de Chioggia" and "Purple de Jesi"

Larger blooms e.g. "Green Globe" will be harvesting in October and November 

Globe Artichokes loan stature and grandess to the garden

The luxury of having different varieties is only limited by your garden size

and willingness to take on steady bloom picking for the pot or vase

Just remember Globe Artichokes wait for no person if the weather warms suddenly,

and the flowers ripen early in the Season making them leathery and spiky

for culinary purposes

Mature Globe Artichoke Foliage (Summer)

New Season Foliage on Globe Artichoke (Winter)