Splitting Artichokes

Peckhamgreen · « **on:** May 29, 2008, 23:01 »

My new plot has 1 artichoke plant, I've heard you can split them at the root and replant to make more plants.
Does anyone know if there is a good or bad time to divide Artichoke plants? or have any advice on the splitting

Thanks
Dave :?:

woodburner · « **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2008, 23:27 »

Artichokes are perennials and perennials are usually divided in spring or autumn. We've had a bit of a slow start, so you might still be ok, depends how big they're grown already really.

Did you see HFW making a bit of a bodge of his? Not sure as I've not divided them personally and they didn't show the roots very clearly, but I suspect that he'd have done better with two forks back to back.

gobs · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2008, 08:46 »

March. You look for about 4-8 inch young plantlets around the base. Separate those from mother with some root attached and plant up, protect from slugs.

Peckhamgreen · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2008, 23:28 »

Thanks for the info, will keep you posted.

Dave.

Eristic · « **Reply #4 on:** June 01, 2008, 00:50 »

I would prefer to take the offsets in late summer or early autumn.

Use a sharp spade, select a decent sized young shoot, use a sharp spade positioned between offset and mother plant and slice down vertically. Remove the offset with or without roots, and replant in desired position. Water well and remove all large leaves.

The only thing that kills them is scardie gardeners trying to be kind.

gobs · « **Reply #5 on:** June 01, 2008, 19:53 »

Why do you prefer autumn planting, Eristic?

Eristic · « **Reply #6 on:** June 01, 2008, 23:03 »

Because new shoots emerge during the summer and need thinning out anyway so may as well take cuttings then. Weather is still favourable for the plants to root and establish before winter sets in.

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