Though Artichokes are usually grown in California, home gardeners nearly anywhere can have great success growing them with the right care. Artichoke plants are perennial flowers, but can be grown as annuals with plenty of delicious buds. You can either grow them from a seed or a crown--the latter taking much less time than starting them from seed. Artichoke plants favor mild winters and cool, moist summers. If you see gray mold on the Artichoke leaves, simply remove the infected leaves.

COMMON PESTS: Aphids, Slugs

SUSCEPTIBLE TO: Gray Mold, Powdery Mildew