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Artichoke violetta di chioggia

B3B3 Posts: 26,981
in Plants

I have a very old artichoke - well over ten years old.

Up until this year, growth has been lush with plenty of flowers, but this year it's sparse and sickly - looking.

My question is: Has it come to the end of its natural life? 

Can I do anything to revive it? There doesn't seem to be much material for a viable cutting.

In London. Keen but lazy.

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  • B3B3 Posts: 26,981

    On closer inspection some of the young leaves have been stripped to skeletons and there are little rectangular black dots which I assume are droppings if shell casings.

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,546

    Sounds like caterpillar damage to me the little black dots will be frass (poo).  Might be a good idea to think about lifting & dividing -refresh soil & replant in the Autumn to rejuvenate plant

    AB Still learning

  • B3B3 Posts: 26,981

    Thanks Iain. I'm assuming the roots will be pretty deep. Do you know if it would have a taproot?

    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,546

    Yes they are pretty deep rooted just do your best to get as big a root out as you can- Not till Autumn though!

    AB Still learning

  • B3B3 Posts: 26,981

    It's very near a mature bay tree planted at the same time so I think I'll have to leave it.

    It's a comfort to know it was caterpillars doing a lot of the damage.

    I must admit that I've left it pretty much to its own devices in the past unless I spotted an ant farm.

    I will give it some tlc and hope for the best.

    Thanks for your help Iainimage

    In London. Keen but lazy.
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