The Green Globe Artichoke ( Cynara scolymus ) is an old heirloom variety from France in the 1800’s. This variety of artichoke is the most commonly seen type in supermarkets and backyard vegetable gardens. The reason for its popularity is due to its hardiness as a plant, its shorter growing season than most other varieties and it’s earthy, nutty flavour.
The artichoke vegetable is actually an unripe thistle flower bud! This vegetable is viewed as gourmet. Artichokes are not commonly eaten raw as they can be bitter this way, which is very different to the cooked taste. Artichokes are usually cooked by either steaming, boiling, frying or roasting. There are numerous great recipes to use this vegetable in, such as pasta dishes, dips, soups and salads.
The Green Globe Artichoke can be left to flower and grown as an ornamental plant.
To see more of our edible plant range, click here.
Growth
Green Globe Artichoke is a perennial plant, that can be grown as an annual in cooler climates. However, this species needs approximately 300 days to produce flowers. If growing as an annual, it is necessary to start seedlings indoors 8 weeks earlier than any last expected frosts. If not, your plant/s will not flower in the first year.
If wanting to grow this species as a perennial in cooler climates, the plant will need over-wintering, which is not very difficult. There are three common methods used to over-winter artichokes:
- Grow in pots and move to a protected, frost free area over winter. In a shed or garage will be fine if the temperatures won’t go below freezing.
- Cut the plant back to 10-20 cm’s (4-8 inches) and mulch around the entire plant to protect the stem and keep roots warm.
- Cut the plant back 10-20 cm’s (4-8 inches), pull the plant out of the ground and store in the fridge or in some peat moss until winter is over and it can be replanted outdoors.
This plant can grow as tall as 1.8m (6 feet), however, is more commonly seen between 1-1.5m (3-5 feet). The plants width averages around 1 metre (3 feet), so good spacing is required. This species can take a few years to reach its full-size potential and will produce for at least 5 years. Each plant will produce 3-4 flower buds if they are cared for well. Flower buds average in size between 6-12 cm’s (2.3-4.8 inches) in diameter.
Harvesting of artichokes should be done while bud is still tight and flat by cutting the stem roughly 5cm’s (2 inches) below the bud.
Green Globe Artichokes are suitable for growing in Pots.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 35°C / 41 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Compost, nutrient rich soil.
LOCATION:
Full sun (at least 6n hours a day)
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.8 metres (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.2 metre (4 foot)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Hermaphrodite. Pollinated by bees, moths & butterflies.
MATURITY:
Average 300-400 days from seed.
GERMINATION RATES:
83-88%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-28 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 420
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Store a 4°C (fridge) for 5-7 years.
FACTS ABOUT CYNARA SCOLYMUS (Green Globe Artichoke)
Artichokes are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables in the world, that originating from the Mediterranean region. The ancient Greeks and Romans are noted for cultivated artichokes.
Artichoke plants are used in natural medicine supplements today, but this is not new, they have been used traditionally for centuries. The medicinal compounds found in the plant are said to help with numerous ailments and there are plenty of studies to back this up. For more information on the nutritional benefits of artichoke, click here.
