Are you wondering how to grow artichokes? Although not everyone loves to eat this wonderful food, for those of us who do it is a vegetable worth growing. If you are one of the lucky ones who loves them, you know how wonderful this vegetable can be.

The part of the artichoke that we eat is the undeveloped flower bud of the artichoke plant. The best part of all is called the artichoke heart.

Globe artichokes are the most common type of artichoke that people eat. You can find seeds for globe artichokes in seed catalogs. You can find artichoke seedlings at your local nursery. Just call ahead and ask when their shipments of artichokes will be delivered.

Find a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil.

Prepare your soil by digging approximately a foot deep and mixing compost and chicken or rabbit manure into the soil.

If your winters are mild and do not reach temperatures below 15 degrees, you can sow your artichoke seeds directly into the ground. Plant your artichoke seeds 1/4" into the soil. If you need to start your artichoke seedlings indoors, do so 8 weeks before the last frost.

Allow plenty of space. Plant your seeds 3 feet apart. artichoke plants can grow up to 3'-4' high and 6' wide.

If you are planting the artichoke plants into the soil, plant the artichokes so that the crown is just above the ground.

Once you have your plant's crown above the ground, whether you started from seed or not, mulch around the base to retain soil.

Keep your plant watered. Your soil should be moist, but not soggy or with standing water. You can mix sand into heavy soil prior to planting to help the soil be able to drain well. Or, you can plant your artichokes on mounds to allow for proper drainage.

Fertilize your artichoke plant monthly.

Harvest your artichoke before the bud starts to open and while the plant is still green and tight. This will ensure you have the best, tastiest plant to eat.

Be patient, artichokes may not produce for the first year. Continue to tend for your plant properly and you will soon reap the rewards.

Although the majority of artichokes are grown in California, they can be grown in other parts of the country if given the proper care. Simply follow the "how to grow artichokes" tips above and you should enjoy wonderful results. Have fun in the garden!