Globe artichoke plants are an exciting and unique addition to any veggie garden. With their scrumptious flower buds and striking architectural form, artichokes make a great edible ornamental. If you’ve been looking to buy some artichoke plants for your yard, read on to learn everything you need to know about selecting top varieties, proper planting, care and harvesting of these intriguing edibles.
A Brief Overview of Globe Artichokes
Globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) are large, vase-shaped thistles that can reach up to 5 feet tall and wide. The edible portion is the young, tender flower bud that forms on the end of thick, elongated stems arising from a clump of deeply cut silvery-green foliage.
There are green and purple varieties of globe artichokes. When allowed to fully bloom, the flowers are quite beautiful – up to 7 inches across with delicate purple petals.
While technically a perennial, artichokes are usually cultivated as annuals or biennials, performing best in their first or second year from seed. Established plants will keep producing tasty buds for around 5 years before yields start to decline.
Where to Purchase Globe Artichoke Plants
You can buy globe artichoke plants online through several reputable nurseries:
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Mountain Valley Growers – Offers organic 3-inch potted plants and plug trays. Hardy in zones 7-11.
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Burpee – Sells seeds and bare root plants. Carries Imperial Star and Green Globe varieties.
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Growers Exchange – Sells young potted Green Globe and purple Imperial Star plants.
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Stark Bros – Carries the purple Imperial Star and standard Green Globe varieties. Zone 7-11 hardy.
Many local nurseries and garden centers also stock artichoke transplants in spring. Look for stocky, vigorous young plants without signs of disease, wilting or leaf damage.
Selecting the Best Artichoke Varieties
Some top artichoke varieties for home gardens include:
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Green Globe – A classic heirloom with fantastic flavor. Produces large buds and heavy yields.
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Imperial Star – Vibrant purple color and spineless leaves. Earlier and higher yielding than Green Globe.
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Violetto – Smaller purple artichoke with tremendous yields and fabulous taste. Thornless foliage makes harvest easy.
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Big Heart – Bears sizable, meaty flower hearts that are fantastic for stuffing. Cold hardy and productive for zones 5/6.
For cooler climates, choose early-producing, cold tolerant varieties such as Big Heart, Green Globe and Violetto. In warm winter areas, go with Imperial Star and Green Globe for best results.
Growing Conditions Artichokes Thrive In
To get bountiful harvests from your artichoke patch, provide these ideal growing conditions:
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Sun: Pick a spot with full sun and at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Soil: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or manure. Thrives in a pH of 6.5-7.5.
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Water: New plants need 1-2 inches of water per week. Established artichokes are quite drought resistant but produce best with regular irrigation.
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Temperature: Most varieties grow well in zone 7 or warmer. Protect new plantings if frost threatens.
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Fertilizer: Use a balanced organic fertilizer at planting. Side dress with nitrogen mid-season to spur vigorous growth.
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Pests & Disease: Watch for aphids and slugs. Good air flow prevents powdery mildew.
Planting and Growing Tips
Follow these tips for successfully establishing globe artichoke plants:
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Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Harden off before transplanting.
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Alternatively, plant nursery-grown plants after danger of frost has passed and soil warms up.
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Space plants 3-4 feet apart in rows 5 feet apart.
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Incorporate 1-2 inches of compost or manure into beds before planting. Also mix in a balanced organic fertilizer.
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Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Mulch well to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
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Stake taller varieties if needed to prevent toppling. Maintain good airflow with proper spacing and pruning.
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Weed regularly and work compost into the top few inches of soil each month.
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After several hard frosts, cut back dead growth in late fall. Apply a thick winter mulch.
Harvesting the Tasty Flower Buds
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Begin harvesting when buds swell to 3-4 inches across. Cut with a few inches of stem attached.
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Use a sharp knife to slice through the stem at ground level or carefully snap off by hand.
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Allow smaller buds to continue maturing for later pickings. Don’t let them bloom fully or they become inedibly bitter.
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Stop harvesting if cold weather threatens, as artichokes don’t tolerate frost well.
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Expect around 8–12 chokes per plant, with the main harvest period lasting 2-3 weeks at peak season.
Enjoying Your Fresh Artichoke Harvest
Some delicious ways to eat and cook your homegrown artichoke hearts:
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Steam or boil then serve with lemon butter, aioli or vinaigrette for dipping.
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Stuff with seasoned breadcrumbs, cheese, meat or seafood mixtures and bake.
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Grill seasoned artichoke halves or quarters until tender.
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Sauté thawed frozen hearts with olive oil and garlic. Toss with pasta or rice.
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Purée cooked artichokes into dips, sauces, soups or casseroles.
With their unique ornamental quality, edible yields and easy care nature, globe artichoke plants deserve a spot in any edible garden. Get your hands on a few starter plants this spring and enjoy cultivating these uncommon, old world heirlooms.
Season & SteamArtichokes
Looking for a simpler way to enjoy fresh artichokes? Try our no prep microwavable artichokes! Fresh and ready to cook in our special steam package, youll enjoy the same great Ocean Mist Farms artichoke flavor in seven minutes or less. Simply open, add in your favorite artichoke seasoning, reseal and pop in the microwave for a quick and flavorful family favorite.
Frost-KissedArtichokes
Connoisseurs believe these “Frost-Kissed” artichokes are more tender and have a flavorful, nutty zest.
How to Grow Artichokes in ANY Climate
FAQ
What month do you plant artichokes?
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Starting indoors:
- Start artichoke seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost.
- In Los Angeles, this would mean starting seeds in late February or early March.
- Use a deep container as artichokes are tap-rooted plants.
- Start artichoke seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost.
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Transplanting outdoors:
- Wait until the danger of frost has passed before transplanting seedlings outdoors.
- In Los Angeles, this is typically in March or April.
- Plant seedlings 2.5 to 3 feet apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart.
- Wait until the danger of frost has passed before transplanting seedlings outdoors.
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Fall planting:
- For a spring harvest, you can plant artichoke seeds in the fall (August-November) in warmer climates like Los Angeles.
- This allows the plants to establish roots before the warmer weather of spring.
- For a spring harvest, you can plant artichoke seeds in the fall (August-November) in warmer climates like Los Angeles.
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Vernalization:
- Artichokes require vernalization, which is a period of cool temperatures (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit) to encourage flowering.
- In Los Angeles, this happens naturally during the cooler months, but you can also “trick” the plants by exposing them to cool temperatures.
- Artichokes require vernalization, which is a period of cool temperatures (below 50 degrees Fahrenheit) to encourage flowering.
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Other tips:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Add compost to the soil before planting.
- Water regularly, especially during the growing season.
- Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
How long do globe artichokes take to grow?
If you’re wondering ‘how long does it take for artichokes to grow’: the answer is two years. By the second summer, you will be able to begin harvesting globe artichokes. Allow a maximum of six flower stems to develop per crown to guarantee good-sized buds. Cut out any others that begin to form.
What is the best variety of globe artichokes?
Our favourite Globe Artichoke variety is hybrid Imperial Star. Imperial Star is sweeter than the average and will produce 6-8 Artichoke hearts in the first season. Specifically bred for flavour and earliness, this fabulous architectural perennial vegetable is at home in both the kitchen and the wildlife garden.
Are green globe artichoke plants edible?
The edible portion of the Green Globe Artichoke plant consists of the buds before the flowers come into bloom. Artichoke plants make a bold statement in any garden with its long silvery green foliage and bright purple flowers. This variety can be grown in cold climates as a perennial and matures early, producing heavily.
What is a green globe artichoke?
Green Globe Artichoke is a newly improved artichoke. The Green Globe flowers in early summer. The flower buds are deep green with a light purple tinge. A good harvest of 3-4 heads can be expected throughout the summer. They are 3-5 inches in diameter and have wonderfully thick, flavorful hearts.
Where can I buy globe artichoke plants online?
Buy globe artichoke plants online from UK Nursery. Each artichoke plant order includes guide on growing artichokes & other vegetables.
How long do globe artichokes last?
Our Globe Artichokes are supplied as compost block-grown plants, and can be planted out from late April onwards. These tall plants require at least 3 feet between plants in a sunny position with well-draining soil. Our Globe Artichoke plants should last for around three to five years, after which time we recommend replanting. Add to Trug
Can Green Globe Artichokes grow in cold climates?
Green Globe Artichokes can be grown in cold climates as a perennial. This variety matures early and produces heavily. They do not like being fussed with and should be left alone. Artichokes like to eat. Feed them early Spring and Summer with Artichoke Tea Plant Food.
Are globe artichoke plants a flowering thistle?
Globe Artichoke plants are members of the thistle family, and if you can spare a few of your gorgeous green globes to run to flower much like a flowering thistle they will not only offer a stunning display, but also prove extremely attractive to pollinating insects.