Artichokes aren’t difficult to grow, but they do need thoughtful, seasonal care to stay productive. After years of growing artichokes in Sonoma Valley—where winters are mild and summers warm—I’ve learned that managing these large perennials comes down to three essential practices: pruning, mulching, and overwintering. These steps keep plants vigorous, reduce disease, and help you harvest big, tender buds each year.

Here is a practical, experience-based guide for caring for artichokes from early spring through winter.

Early-Season Care: Clean, Feed, and Encourage Growth

1. Remove Old Growth in Early Spring

As new shoots emerge, prune away:

Last season’s dead leaves
Frost-damaged tops
Weak side shoots

I usually leave 3–5 of the strongest shoots per plant. This simple early-season cleanup helps prevent disease and improves airflow as the plant begins its rapid spring growth.

2. Deep Mulch Early for Soil Health

Artichokes thrive in cool, moist soil in early spring. Apply 2–4 inches of mulch:

Compost
Shredded leaves
Straw
Old borage leaves (a favorite of mine)

Mulching early slows weed growth and helps maintain the even moisture that large artichoke stalks require to develop.

Mid-Season Care: Prune for Productivity and Plant Health

Mid-season growth can be enormous—sometimes 4 feet wide and 5 feet tall. This is when pruning becomes essential.

1. Remove Lower Leaves

As leaves age and sag:

Snip off yellowing or cracked leaves
Trim dying foliage at the base

This improves airflow, prevents disease, and redirects energy into bud production. In my garden, removing lower leaves midseason noticeably reduces aphid buildup.

2. Prune Spent Buds Immediately

Once you harvest the main bud:

Smaller side buds will form
Pruning the central bud signals the plant to produce more

I’ve consistently seen bigger secondary bud clusters when I remove the main bud early, just as the bracts begin to loosen.

3. Keep Mulch Fresh

Heat and irrigation break mulch down quickly. Replenish it to maintain:

Moisture retention
Fewer weeds
Cooler root zones in summer heat

In Sonoma’s warm summers, mulch also prevents soil from crusting and baking.

Late-Season Care: Renew, Cut Back, or Prepare for Dormancy

By late summer or early fall, artichoke plants begin to decline. This is normal.

1. Cut Back for Regrowth (Mild-Summer Climates)

If summers are not extremely hot:

Cut plants back to 8–10 inches tall in late summer
Water deeply
Add a fresh layer of compost

In my garden, this “reboot” often results in a tender fall crop of smaller but delicious buds.

2. Prepare for Dormancy (Hot or Dry Climates)

Where summers are long and hot:

Allow plants to partially die back
Keep roots alive with occasional deep watering
Maintain mulch to protect soil

Artichokes naturally rest through heat; forcing continual growth weakens them.

Overwintering Tips: Help Plants Survive and Restart Strong

Overwintering methods depend on your climate. Artichokes are hardy perennials in zones 8–11, but gardeners in cooler regions can also overwinter them with protection.

1. Mild-Winter Regions (like Sonoma Valley)

This is where my experience is strongest.

Steps

Cut plants back to 8–12 inches after the final harvest
Pile 4–6 inches of mulch around the crown
Keep soil only lightly moist through winter
Avoid heavy feeding until spring

This simple routine carries artichokes safely through frost and occasional freezing nights.

2. Cold-Winter Regions (zones 6–7)

Gardeners here can still overwinter with extra care.

Protection options

Cut plants back
Surround crowns with 12 inches of straw, leaves, or compost
Cover with a breathable frost cloth or overturned crate
Uncover in early spring once frost danger passes

Many northern gardeners also dig up root balls, store them in a cool garage, then replant in spring.

3. Very Cold Regions (zone 5 and colder)

Treat artichokes as annuals unless you’re willing to lift and store them.

Storage method

Dig roots carefully
Shake off excess soil
Store in slightly damp peat moss or sawdust
Keep at 35–45°F in darkness
Replant after last frost

This method mimics dormancy and protects crowns from fatal freezing.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal artichoke care—from early pruning to deep mulching to thoughtful overwintering—keeps plants vigorous and productive year after year. In my experience, the combination of steady moisture, clean lower foliage, and a generous layer of mulch makes the biggest difference. With a little seasonal attention, artichokes become some of the most reliable and rewarding perennials in the garden.