Globe Artichoke, Cynara scolymus, Seeds

Fast Growing Perennial, Edible Fruits

The Globe Artichoke is a perennial thistle of the genus Cynara originating in Southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows 2 to 5 feet tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery, glaucous-green leaves 20 to 32 inches long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud 3 to 6 inches diameter with numerous triangular scales; the individual florets are purple. The edible portion of the buds consists primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the involucral bracts and the base, known as the "heart"; the mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the "choke" or beard. These are inedible in older larger flowers.

Globe Artichokes are actually an unopened flower bud from a thistle-like plant. Each green cone-shaped bud consists of several parts: overlapping outer leaves that are tough and inedible at the tip, but fleshy and tender at the base; an inedible choke, or thistle, which is enclosed within a light-colored cone of immature leaves; and a round, firm-fleshed base. This meaty base, the heart, is the part that you work your way toward when eating an Artichoke. The Globe Artichoke is a rich source of vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber and a multitude of minerals. When harvesting, Artichokes are cut from the plant so as to leave an inch or two of stem. Artichokes possess good keeping qualities, frequently remaining quite fresh for two weeks or longer.

In addition, to producing edible fruit, the Globe Artichoke is sometimes grown in herbaceous borders for its bold foliage and large purple flower heads. The large, arching, lobed, silvery glaucous-green leaves on the relatively large plants make a bold statement in the landscape. The Globe Artichoke grows into a very large specimen in a single season and the bold, coarse textured foliage is particularly striking.

The Artichoke was used as a food and medicine by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In Rome, the Artichoke was an important menu item at feasts. It wasn't until the fifteenth century, however, that it made its appearance throughout Europe.

Other Names: Globe Artichoke, alcachofra, alcachofera, artichaut, tyosen-azami, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

Zone: 8 to 10

Growth Rate: Moderate

Plant Type: Broadleaf Evergreen
Family: Asteraceae

Native Range:

Height: 2 to 5 feet
Spread: 3 to 5 feet

Spacing: 18 inches apart in rows 3 to 5 feet apart.

Bloom Time: Summer

Bloom Color: Purple

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low

Site Requirements /Soil Tolerances:

Culture: About 85 to 95 days from planting to harvest

Uses: For producing edible fruit and/or landscape plant.

Sowing cynara scolymus Seeds:

For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided.

Scarify: Soak in water for 24 hours

Stratify: None

Germination: Sow 1/4” Deep

For more information about seed pretreatment and growing trees and shrubs from seed, please download this .pdf:

https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2007/08/fcpg018.pdf

Germination:

1. Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details.
2. Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing.
3. Seed is not a specific Cultivar (Variety) unless specified in the listing.
4. Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes.
5. I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process.

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