Artichoke Plant Companions
Artichoke companion planting is not especially complicated. Artichokes don’t repel any pests, but at the same time, they’re not really bothered by any. Because of this, they don’t really benefit their neighbors, but neither do they need good neighbors. They are, however, very heavy feeders that require extra rich, slightly alkaline soil. The best companions for artichoke plants have similar soil requirements. Peas, in particular, are good artichoke plant companions because they exude nitrogen that artichokes will gladly leech up from the soil. Some other good artichoke plant companions include sunflowers, tarragon, and members of the cabbage family. The artichoke “vegetable” that we eat is actually a flower bud. If you don’t harvest the bud and allow it to bloom, it becomes a huge, clover-like flower that will attract all kinds of beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Bad Companions for Artichoke
The most important thing to know about artichoke plants is that they’re huge. They can grow as big as 4 feet (1 m.) high and wide. They spread out with huge leaves that can easily shade or muscle out smaller plants. Because of this, artichoke companion planting isn’t recommended in close quarters. Don’t place anything within a few feet (1 m.) of your artichoke plants. It’s best to leave even more distance on the north side since that’s where the shade cast from their leaves will be the worst. If you have limited space, it’s better not to plant anything near your artichoke plants.
