How Much Water Do Artichokes Need?

Artichokes need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water twice per week. Do not water artichokes daily. Instead, water them once every 3–4 days. Add ½–1 gallon (2–4 liters) of water each time you water. Artichoke plants prefer to remain in moist soil all season long. It’s possible to overwater artichokes and kill their roots. So, only water them when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Artichokes need a moderate amount of water to produce tender buds.

How Much Water Do Artichokes Need Per Day?

Artichokes do not usually need water every day. Unless temperatures are above 90℉ (32℃), water them every 3 days at most. Give your plants 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water twice per week. That equals about ½–1 (2–4 liters) gallon of water per square foot at each watering session.

• You do not usually need to water your artichokes every single day.
• Give your plants about ½–1 gallon (2–4 liters) of water per square foot every few days.
• Artichoke plants thrive when given a total of 2 inches (5 cm) of water weekly.
• Water more often when temperatures rise above 70℉ (21℃) to best support these cool-season crops.
• Check the soil moisture levels daily when temperatures go above 70°F (21°C).

Artichoke plants are cool-season crops. So, you will need to increase your watering frequency when temperatures rise. The plants prefer temperatures in the 70°F (21°C) range. Check the soil daily when temperatures go above that mark. Once temperatures rise above 90℉ (32℃), your artichokes may even need daily water.

How Do You Water Artichokes?

Always water artichokes at the soil level to avoid splashing the leaves. The best way to do this is by using a soaker hose. 10–20 minutes with a soaker hose twice per week is ideal for watering artichokes in most conditions. However, when it’s very hot you may need to increase your watering frequency.

• Water the soil around the artichokes with this soaker hose.
• Run your soaker hose for 10–20 minutes 2 times per week to water artichokes.
• Do not let the water splash onto the leaves of the plant.
• The system should water all the way out past the leaves to hit all the shallow roots.

To properly water artichokes, ensure the soaker hose will water past the edges of the large leaves to get all the roots. The shallow roots spread out far from the stem and can dry out if you water in too small of an area. To properly soak the soil, loop your soaker hose around the artichoke plant to water the entire area.

Do Artichokes Like Wet or Dry Soil?

Artichokes prefer to grow in moderately moist soil. They do not like overly wet or dry soil. Wet soil can drown the roots, eventually causing root death and root rot. Dry soil dehydrates the plant and prevents nutrient uptake. So, artichokes can be a little fussy, since they grow poorly in soggy soil or very dry soil.

• Artichokes like their soil to stay consistently moist.
• These plants do not grow well in soil that’s too wet or dry.
• Keep the soil evenly moist by watering your plants every few days.
• Surround artichokes with a 3-inch-deep (7.5 cm) layer of mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent weed growth.

Keep the soil evenly moist by watering every few days. Also, surround the base of your plants with mulch to help the soil retain moisture between waterings. A layer of mulch 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep is best. A good mulch layer will not only keep artichokes moist, but will also prevent weeds from sprouting.

Can You Overwater Artichokes?

You can easily overwater artichokes. These plants grow best in moist coastal climates. But that doesn’t mean they want an overabundance of water. It’s essential to ensure that your artichokes are not planted in soggy conditions. You should also avoid flooding the soil with water during watering sessions. If you see standing water on the soil after watering, you’ve watered for too long.

• It’s rather easy to overwater your artichoke plants.
• The plants grow best in moist coastal climates, but they don’t want too much water.
• If the soil is soggy or has puddles after watering, reduce the watering duration.
• Let your artichokes dry out for a few extra days if you overwater them.

If your artichoke’s leaves have begun to turn yellow, this is likely because of too much water. If this occurs, pause watering for 4–5 days, or until the top of the soil is dry. If you allow the soil to dry out a bit, your artichokes will bounce back.

How Do You Know If Artichokes Need Water?

You know your artichokes need water by checking the soil. Use your finger or a moisture meter to determine if the soil is dry 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the surface. If not, then you need to water your plants. Skip the watering if the soil is still moist.

• You can tell your artichoke plants need water by checking the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil near the base of the plant.
• Use your finger or this moisture meter to test conditions in the top inch of soil.
• Water if the top inch of soil is dry, especially if it’s getting too much sun.
• Skip the watering if the soil is still moist throughout the top inch.
• Artichokes need an adequate amount of water to produce tender artichoke buds.

Artichokes need a moderate amount of water to grow tender buds. The buds will fail to grow or turn out tough if the plant gets dehydrated. The tips of the leaves may turn black as well. This does not impact the taste of the fruit. But it does damage the appearance of the plant.

Do Artichokes Require Lots of Water?

Artichokes do not require lots of water to grow at their best. However, they do enjoy consistently moist soil. To properly water artichokes:

• Artichokes need 2 inches (5 cm) of water per week, split into 2 weekly watering sessions.
• Water your artichoke plants every 3–4 days to keep the soil moist.
• Water for 10–20 minutes with a soaker hose each time you water.
• Moist soil will help your plants create tender buds.
• Only water your artichokes when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry.
• Avoid watering until the soil is soggy or puddled—this can damage artichokes.
• Do not allow the soil to dry out fully between waterings.

When you water your artichoke plants just right, you’ll get a nice harvest of tender buds. You can then use them in all your favorite dishes, including tasty spinach artichoke dip.