Globe Artichoke Production Potential in Northern New England

Abstract

Globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are high-value crops grown primarily as perennials in locations with temperate climates, such as Italy, Spain, and central California (USA). When grown as annual crops in cooler regions such as New England, vernalization is required for first-year bud production. However, despite factoring heavily into annual production potential, chilling requirements vary by genotype and are undocumented for most commercially available cultivars. We compared the marketable yield potential of eight artichoke cultivars grown as annuals in Monmouth, ME, USA, over 3 years in replicated field experiments. We also compared black plastic culture against bare ground, straw mulch, and reflective mulch. Increasing seedling cold exposure to 550 hours before transplanting resulted in increased yields across all cultivars, and the production potential was on par with yields in other regions where artichokes are grown annually. ‘Green Globe Improved’ produced consistently high yields of marketable artichokes. ‘Tavor’ and ‘Wonder’ produced yields comparable to ‘Green Globe Improved’ but appeared sensitive to black plastic mulch in particularly hot environmental conditions. Artichokes grown on bare ground during two of three trial years were less productive than those grown on black plastic or reflective mulches, likely because of nutrient leaching. Most buds produced across all years, mulches, and cultivars were small (<3 inches in diameter). Producers in New England should ensure that their markets will be receptive to small artichokes before growing annual artichoke crops at scale.

Keywords

• cultivar trial
• cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
• marketable yield
• plasticulture
• vernalization