Globe Artichokes

I planted some young plants last year in the autumn on my allotment because they seem to do so well for everyone else on the site. This year i don't seem to have any growth at all, whereas everyone else's are already shooting. Is it time to give up and buy some more, or is it worth being patient for a bit longer?
Thanks.

 

Hi Beanie

I have found that splitting plants from other healthy ones is infallible. Sowing seeds can be a bit hit and miss (I shouldn't say that as I sell artichoke seeds) so for my own use I take a healthy plant and cut off side shoots with roots in spring and plant it in well dug and manured ground. It isn't too late now to try - go and bargain with one of the others on your allotment and if you are careful it won't affect their plant too much. Your plant should then remain productive for 5 years or longer but keep taking your own further cuttings to pass around.

Good luck

Johnny boy
www.thevegetablebed.co.uk