Description

Grow artichokes anywhere, even in northern gardens. This variety has more uniform plant size, reduced spines, and better production—an improvement of the original, 1863 heirloom, 'Green Globe'. Provide plenty of room and fertile soil and you'll be rewarded with 3 to 5 fresh, delicious artichokes. Perennial in USDA zones 7-10. In cold climates, grow as an annual.

Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus
Days to Maturity: 150–180 days
Family: Asteraceae
Native: Mediterranean region
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant perennial in USDA zones 7-10
Plant Dimensions: 5' tall, 4'–8' wide
Variety Information: Dark green with slightly purple base. Heavy bearing. Very few spines. 3 to 5 artichokes per plant in the first year.

When to Sow Outside: Cold Climates: Not recommended. Mild Climates: Sow in fall for harvest the following spring.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. Cold Climates: Sow in 4″ biodegradable pots 12 weeks before your average last spring frost date. Transplant outside 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–80°F. Protect seedlings from frost. Mild Climates: Sow in 4″ biodegradable pots in early fall. Transplant outdoors 6 weeks before your average first frost date, when soil temperature is at least 60°F.
Days to Emerge: 14 days
Seed Depth: 1/8″–¼”
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 4'
Row Spacing: 6'
Thinning: Thin to 1 every 4'

Harvesting: For eating, harvest buds when they are still tightly closed, just before they begin to open (opened heads are tough). Cut the central bud first by cutting the stem with a sharp knife 2″ below the bud. After harvesting, side shoots will produce smaller harvestable buds (a unique delicacy!).

This packet sows up to 18 feet.