If you’re growing artichokes, you know they’re a stunning and rewarding plant. Choosing the right artichoke companion plants can make your garden even more successful. This guide will help you select optimal garden pairings for healthier plants and bigger harvests.
Companion planting is a smart way to work with nature. It helps with pest control, improves soil, and makes the best use of your space. Let’s look at how to get the most from your artichoke patch.
Artichoke Companion Plants
Artichokes are perennial thistles with unique needs. They need full sun, deep watering, and plenty of room. Their large, silvery-green leaves make a bold statement. The right companions will support these needs without competing to aggressively.
Why Companion Planting Works for Artichokes
Good companions offer specific benefits. They can deter pests that love artichokes, like aphids. Some plants add nutrients to the soil that artichokes use. Others provide ground cover to keep roots cool and moist.
Tall artichokes can also offer shelter for smaller, shade-loving plants. This creates a mini-ecosystem in your garden. It’s a efficient way to grow more food in the same area.
Best Companion Plants for Artichokes
Here are the top plants to grow near your artichokes. These pairings are tried and tested by gardeners for generations.
- Tarragon: This herb is a superstar companion. Its strong scent confuses pests, helping to protect artichoke buds.
- Nasturtiums: These flowers are a classic trap crop. Aphids prefer them over your artichokes, drawing pests away.
- Sunflowers: They attract pollinators and provide a windbreak. Their tall stature complements artichokes nicely.
- Members of the Cabbage Family (Brassicas): This includes kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. They enjoy similar soil conditions and don’t compete for the same nutrients.
- Peas and Beans: These legumes fix nitrogen in the soil. Artichokes are heavy feeders and can use this extra nutrient boost.
- Marigolds: French marigolds, in particular, release a substance that suppresses root-knot nematodes. These soil pests can harm artichokes.
Herbs That Help
Many herbs make excellent neighbors. Their strong oils repel unwanted insects naturally. Plant them around the base of your artichokes or in adjacent rows.
- Mint (plant in a pot to control its spread)
- Parsley
- Coriander/Cilantro
Plants to Avoid Near Artichokes
Just as some plants help, others can hinder. Avoid planting these near your artichokes to prevent problems.
- Tall, Heavy Feeders: Corn and tomatoes compete fiercely for water and nutrients. They can stunt artichoke growth.
- Some Root Vegetables: Potatoes and carrots can disturb the deep artichoke root system during harvest.
- Fennel: It’s allelopathic, meaning it releases chemicals that inhibit the growth of many plants, including artichokes.
- Walnut Trees: They release juglone, a toxin that can kill artichokes and other sensitive plants.
How to Plant Your Artichoke Guild
A “guild” is a group of plants that support eachother. Follow these steps to set up your artichoke companion planting successfully.
- Prepare the Soil: Artichokes need rich, well-draining soil. Add plenty of compost or aged manure before planting.
- Space Correctly: Mature artichokes can spread 4-6 feet wide. Give them ample space in the center of your planting area.
- Plant Your Companions: Place taller plants, like sunflowers, on the north side so they don’t cast shade. Plant low-growing herbs and flowers around the artichoke’s base.
- Water Deeply: Water the entire guild thoroughly at the base. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases on leaves.
- Mulch Well: Apply a thick layer of straw or wood chips around all plants. This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds.
Managing Pests with Companions
Artichokes main pests are aphids, slugs, and earwigs. Your companion plants form your first line of defense.
Nasturtiums and marigolds will attract pests away. Herbs like tarragon and mint mask the scent of the artichokes. Encourage beneficial insects by letting some cilantro flower; it attracts ladybugs who eat aphids.
Check the undersides of artichoke leaves regularly. If you see aphids, a strong spray of water from the hose is often enough to dislodge them.
Seasonal Considerations
Artichokes are perennials in zones 7-11. In colder climates, they are often grown as annuals. Plan your companions for the whole season.
In spring, plant quick-growing peas near your artichokes. They’ll provide nitrogen early on. As summer heats up, the nasturtiums and marigolds will be in full pest-fighting mode.
After the main harvest, you can plant a cover crop of clover around the base to protect and nourish the soil over winter. This is especially helpful for perennial artichoke crowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant artichokes next to tomatoes?
It’s not recommended. Both are heavy feeders and will compete for nutrients, leading to smaller harvests for both plants.
What is the best mulch for artichokes?
Straw or shredded leaves work excellent. They keep the soil cool and retain moisture without packing down to heavily.
Do artichokes need full sun?
Yes, they require at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce large, tender buds. Make sure companion plants don’t shade them.
How long do artichoke plants live?
In the right climate, a healthy artichoke plant can be productive for 5-10 years. Dividing them every few years keeps them vigorous.
Can I grow artichokes in pots with companions?
Yes, but choose a very large pot (at least 20 gallons) for the artichoke. You can plant shallow-rooted herbs like thyme or parsley around the edges.
Using companion planting with your artichokes is a smart gardening strategy. It reduces work, improves plant health, and increases biodiversity. By choosing the right friends for your artichokes, you create a resilient and beautiful garden ecosystem that provides abundance for seasons to come. Start with a few pairings like tarragon and nasturtiums, and observe the positive results in your own garden.