Growing Green Globe Artichoke Vegetable Seeds
How to Grow Green Globe Artichoke from Seed
Artichoke has a weed-like tolerance and, as a relative to the stubborn cardoon, will thrive in a variety of soils. Plants prefer cooler conditions but will perform well if shaded in warmer climates. Artichoke seeds can be sown directly outside after final spring frost or, for earliest starts, begun indoors 3-4 weeks sooner for transplanting.
Sow 2-3 artichoke seeds 1/4 inch deep per cell or peat pot, 48 inches apart in a sandy, Organically composted, and well-drained bed with soil pH of 6.5-7.0. Seeds germinate in about 10-21 days, requiring consistent water and sunlight. Plants will need adequate garden space, as they can grow up to 48 inches tall and 72 inches wide. Add top layer of mulch to cool soil and roots in warmer climates. Artichoke is a heavy feeder and benefits from routine fertilizing.
Green Globe Artichoke in the Vegetable Garden
Green Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) seeds can be sown indoors, then transplanted outside about four weeks before the last average frost. You'll want to plant the seeds four feet apart, with a space of six feet between rows, in composted or mulched soil. Artichoke plants require consistent watering and full sunlight. When the top buds are a consistent green color, they can be cut. In a few short days, the lower artichoke buds will be ready to be harvested. If the Artichoke plant is being kept for aesthetic purposes in a garden, leaving the buds uncut will result in them turning purple in color.
Harvesting Green Globe Artichokes
Regardless of color or variety, artichoke is ready to harvest when the buds" bracts (outer protective leaves) begin to slightly open. Some varieties will mature a consistent green color while some varieties mature when a deep purple. Artichoke stems are thick and can only be harvested with pruning shears or a knife. Unharvested artichoke buds will bloom into a stunning 3-5" wide violet head, though no longer being edible. Lower buds on the stalk will not mature to be as large as the top buds and can be harvested when about 3" in diameter.
About Green Globe Artichoke Seeds
Green globe is a perennial in zones 7-10 and planted as an annual elsewhere. This artichoke is known for being one of the fastest producers of artichokes grown from seed.
Green Globe Artichokes produce tender, nutty, and flavorful green artichokes. Just imagine the flavor of dipping your own artichokes in butter and savoring each moment not only for the flavor but for the fact that you grew them!
Did you know that globe artichoke vegetable is actually a variety of thistle? If allowed to go to seed, green globe artichoke has a very similar spikey flower.
