What are some common problems with growing artichokes?

Some common problems with growing artichokes are insect holes, sticky or moldy spots and rotten crowns. Other issues that occur are tough edible leaves or misshapen plant parts.

Earwigs eat the stems of artichokes, while snails and slugs chew raggedy holes in artichoke foliage. Both larvae and adult artichoke plume moths chew on the leaves and stems. Aphids excrete a sticky residue onto artichoke plants and this eventually turns moldy and black, like soot.

Slimy, bad smelling crowns occur when the plants rot as the result of too much wet weather, and too much heat makes artichokes leathery and unappetizing. Curly dwarf virus makes the leaves twist and the artichokes become puny and deformed.