In cold climates, the artichoke is an annual vegetable. Part of the thistle family, the bud is the edible part of the plant and should be harvested before it’s allowed to bloom. It will produce a purple, thistle-like flower if grown to maturity. Artichokes prefer full sun and are heavy feeders. Plant seeds ¼” deep. Space plants 2-3’ apart and allow 3-4’ between rows. To grow as an annual, start transplants 8-10 weeks before planting and allow 10 days of cold (below 10°C) to encourage bud development.