Globe Artichokes in Containers

Earlier in the year I had a good Google on the subject of globe artichokes in containers. What little information I could find seemed to suggest I was pretty stupid for even considering the idea. I prefer the word 'optimistic', at least.

Five months on, my artichokes are looking surprisingly happy, even in a relatively shallow container. I suspect I won't get much in the way of flower buds, and the plants' longevity will probably be reduced, but still.. £2 for 3 plants from Wilkinson, a very good deal indeed. I love their silvery grey sheen and um.. architectural pointyness.

The downside is that they need a lot of water, as they can't throw tap roots deep into the ground: we've had a few windy, sunny days lately and they've needed a good drenching once a day. (You can tell when they're thirsty, as they flop dramatically until they've had a drink.)

Planted in a plastic crate with some shallots for company: