All About Growing Artichokes

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Illustration By Keith Ward
Artichokes aren’t the easiest crop to prepare in your kitchen, but their rich flavors are worth the work. Grow some in your garden to experience a real treat.

(For details on growing many other vegetables and fruits, visit our Crop at a Glancecollection page.)

Native to the mild climates of the Southern Mediterranean, globe artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are half-hardy perennial thistles that are easily killed by temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Where winters are mild, you can grow globe artichokes as perennials, replacing plants every four years. In most areas, though, globe artichokes must be grown as annuals. Growing artichokes from seeds started in late winter will produce edible buds in midsummer and fall. The edible plant parts are the immature artichoke flower buds.

Types of Artichokes

Green artichoke varieties include ‘Imperial Star,’ the best variety to handle as an annual, and ‘Green Globe,’ a heavy-bearing perennial hardy to Zone 7.

Purple artichokes include ‘Violetta,’ an heirloom variety hardy to Zone 6, and the fast-maturing ‘Opera’ hybrid.

  • Published on Dec 16, 2013
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