Globe artichoke plantlets

I grew some lovely globe artichoke plants last year.  It was their first year so I just cut away the king buds and did not harvest last year.  The plants are quite big and not yet died back.  One of them has two sizeable plantlets growing at the base.  My question is- when is the best time for separating these and planting separately?  Do I just put the spade down between the main plant and the plantlet?

Thanks

Thanks Mum.  I'm looking forward to the globe artichoke harvest this year.  Have a great one