Artichokes. Do I need to prune or cut their leaves? *PICS!!*

[produce pete]

I'm located in Central California. I have over 10 artichoke plants and so far they are all starting to produce artichokes. The buds are not very big, however they are young and it's their first season.

I have found that that some people cut off the leaves, the big leaves. I haven't exactly found out why they do this. Can someone tell me why I might want to consider cutting their big beautiful leaves off.

Also, if any anyone has any growing tips or experiences with artichokes then please share them.


this is the artichoke plants over a month ago

[img]https://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk257/shoalnervo/DSC02653.jpg[/img][/img]

[pd]

Globe artichokes are usually propagated from suckers taken from maturing plants in the spring and it is usual practice to reduce the size of the leaves when planting the suckers in order to minimize water loss through transpiration. I see no benefit in you removing leaves from your plants apart from those at ground level that might be damaged or yellowing.
Here in the UK I remove the heads produced in the first year to secure best quality/size heads in the second.

[produce pete]

Thank you for the help!