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Gates - Gardening - Plants, Seeds & Bulbs - Seeds - Vegetable Seeds - Globe Artichoke
Globe Artichokes are a dual purpose perennial with delicious edible flower buds and an attractive enough display for the flower garden.
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EAN: 5015882051076 | MPN: SVEG21
The Globe Artichoke, Cynara cardunculus, is a dramatic perennial plant that is grown for its edible immature flowerheads which are produced from July onwards. These green, scaly buds open to thistle-like purple flowers in summer and autumn, attracting masses of bees.
It also features grey-green leaves and is ornamental enough for the flower garden. Dead flowerheads can be left on the plants to provide additional interest in winter and may lure in a flock of finches.
Artichokes can be roasted, made into chips or fried and will even make a hearty soup.
Globe artichokes prefer an open position in full sun. They need a reasonably fertile, well-drained soil and are fairly drought resistant once established.
When ready to harvest, as early as June, use secateurs to remove the buds, ideally when they reach the size of a golf ball, before they open and start to flower. After you harvest the main flower bud, secondary buds will appear, and these too can be harvested when large enough.
Globe artichokes become more prolific each year until, after several years, they run out of steam and the plants need to be replaced.
