Why Haven't My Artichoke Developed Well?

Is the plant growth reduced, leaves may be distorted with dark necrotic spots and/or patches?

Is the growth stunted, leaves wilt in high temperatures, new foliage turn brown and dry, crown tissue becomes soft and rots?

Is the crown of plant slimy and foul-smelling, fuzzy white to gray mold is present?

Are there singular, or closely grouped circular to irregularly shaped holes in the foliage?

Are the leaves curled and yellow?

Are there holes in leaves and stems which are discolored black and filled with frass (insect excrement)?

Are there large or small holes in leaves, damage may be extensive?

Are the leaves stippled, reddish or yellowish with fine webbing?

These symptoms often indicate artichoke curly dwarf virus. There is no cure, remove and destroy all infected plants to limit the spread of the virus. Prevent the virus by planting only certified seed from a reputable nursery.

Bacterial crown rot is caused by bacterium Erwinia chrysanthemi. The disease can be spread by cutting tools, and by digging and splitting crowns. Do not use infected crowns as planting material. Start plants from seed or disease-free transplants.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Botrytis blight. You can only prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting artichokes in areas with good air circulation. Water plants so leaves can dry up before sunset. Infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

Beet armyworm and yellow striped armyworm are known pests of artichokes. These insects can go through 3–5 generations a year. Organic methods of controlling armyworms include biological control by natural enemies that parasitize the larvae and the application of BTK spray (Bacillus thuringiensis).

Distorted, curled leaves are caused by Artichoke aphids. These tiny black insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted, and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

The holes are caused by Artichoke plume moth. Pick all infested buds at harvest and destroy them. Cut plant stems above ground, shred plants and incorporate into the soil. Apply BTK (Bacillus thuringiensis) at first symptoms.

Cabbage looper is a pale green caterpillar with white lines running down either side of their body. Looper populations are usually held in check by natural enemies, but if they do become problematic larvae can be hand-picked from the plants. The application of BTK will effectively kill younger larvae.

Reddish to yellowish flecks on leaves and webbed foliage is caused by spider mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plants leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap, or pyrethrin as a last resort.

If there are tiny holes in leaves they are caused by Flea beetles. These tiny, black, brown, or bronze beetles hop when disturbed. Larvae are small and white, feed mostly on the undersides of leaves. Prevent problems by covering young plants with row cover. Control severe infestations by spraying or dusting plants with pyrethrin.