Are you growing artichokes in Montana, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?

Harvesting artichokes is not as easy as it seems.

Here’s why:

• Artichokes have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.

So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.

Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest artichokes in Montana:

• To Learn More About HOW to Grow Artichokes, Check Out This GUIDE!

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When Do I Harvest Artichokes in Montana?

As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your artichokes: the physical features of the artichokes & weather (time).

Harvest Artichokes if They Look Like This!!!

The physical features of artichokes are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.

In general, you should harvest artichokes if they have the following physical features:

• The entire artichokes is a solid red color. If the artichokes is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
• The artichokes is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
• Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.

Harvest Your Artichokes During THIS Time of Year!!!

In general, you should harvest artichokes:

• 65 to 85 days after starting artichokes from seed
• 40 to 50 days after planting artichokes in your garden
• 20 to 30 days after artichokes first appear

And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your artichokes before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your artichokes plant and make your artichokes inedible.

For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Montana. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.

Montana Last & First Frost Dates

It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.

Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.

When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.

• If artichokes are in pots, bring them inside
• If artichokes are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
• Pick all artichokes. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.

If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Montana, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.