Violet De Provence Artichoke – 20 Seeds

Violet de Provence Artichoke is a purple globe variety, similar to Green Globe in habit, but with a finer flavor, and attractive large purple thistle-like flower heads. This French heirloom is noted for its fine flavor and pretty purple buds that are lovely on the big, ornamental plants, especially when the buds open.

Artichoke Culinary Uses

• The edible parts include the heart or ‘choke’ at the centre and the fleshy lower portions of the bracts.
• Artichoke has a distinct but pleasant bitter taste, also described as nutty, or smooth and buttery.
• Boiled and and dipped in a variety of sauces.
• Eaten cold with vinaigrette or used in salads.
• The hearts can be marinated, baked, fried or they can be garnished for roasts, filled with vegetables or sauces.

Growing Violet De Provence Artichoke

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter and Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Early Spring.

• Sow 2 Artichoke seeds per pot, 5mm deep.
• Keep moist in a warm place until seeds germinate in 10 to 21 days.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.