Growing Globe Artichoke

Globe Artichoke plants are herbaceous perennials that are members of the Asteraceae family,  a group that includes thistles, dandelions, and sunflowers. Growing Globe Artichoke in South Africa’s warm climate is ideal and they are considered as short-lived perennials. In cooler regions they are grown as annuals. Artichokes are usually grown for the edible flower buds, which are harvested before the flowers open.

Both have similar growing needs with identical flavor and texture. The globe or round variety is often used for stuffing while the elongated is served as a side dish.

• Green Globe Artichoke is the most common artichoke with wide, deep green buds and a light purple tinge.
• Violet de Provence Artichoke is a purple globe variety, similar to Green Globe, but with a finer flavor.

Growing Globe Artichoke from Seed

• Sow 2 Artichoke seeds per pot, 5mm deep.
• Keep moist in a warm place until seeds germinate in 10 to 21 days.
• Artichokes grow best in full sun. They can tolerate some shade, but this will affect flowering.
• Artichokes prefer a sandy, well-drained but fertile soil. A pH slightly on the alkaline side is best. Slightly sandy soil is ideal.
• Transplant seedlings into the garden 2 weeks after the last average frost date for your area.
• Artichokes need a cool period (250 hours) below 10°C to induce flowering, but will not survive hard frost.
• Space plants 1m apart.
• Seeds can also be germinated between damp sheets of paper towel.

Maintaining Globe Artichoke Plants

• Water frequently and deeply—one to three times a week. This will keep flower buds fleshy and tender and develop a strong root system that will keep the plants upright.
• This plant prefers warm weather that is relatively dry.
• Excessive heat may cause the plant to bloom prematurely, so apply a thick mulch around the base of the plants to keep the soil cool.
• Apply a balanced vegetable plant food every two weeks throughout the growing season.