Green Globe Artichoke – 20 Seeds

Green Globe Artichoke Seeds. Green Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a large perennial, growing up to 1 -1.5 meters under good conditions. It has large, deeply toothed silvery grey- green leaves that spread out 50-80cm from the main stem. Eaten by the ancient Greeks and Romans, this member of the thistle family has been cultivated as a gourmet food for centuries.

This plant is very high in minerals, vitamins and also has strong medicinal value related to cholesterol management and other health concerns. Green Globe Artichoke is also known to have one of the highest antioxidant values of all vegetables.

Green Globe 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 Green Globe Artichoke

• Sow 2 Green Globe 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.