Globe artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are large, imposing perennial plants – reaching 1.2-1.8m (4-6ft) high - grown for their large edible flower buds.
These attractive plants are ornamental enough to grow in the flower garden. Plants start to produce their best heads in the second year of cropping and become more prolific each year.
They can be grown from seed or young plants.
Sow seed outdoors in March and April 13mm (0.5in) deep in a seedbed, sowing two or three seeds per station spaced 25-30cm (10-12in) apart. Thin each station to the strongest seedling. Alternatively sow seeds in 7.5cm (3in) pots of good compost.
Transplant to their permanent position when large enough to handle, usually when they have at least five true leaves. Water in well. Seed-grown plants usually flower the year after sowing.
Allow 60-90cm (2-3ft) between plants.
As a perennial plant, they grow best in a rich, well-fed, deeply dug soil.
Plants need little in the way of maintenance once established. Adding a mulch of well-rotted manure or similar and a dressing of a balanced fertiliser in spring will help increase yields.
In cold areas, covering plants with a mulch of straw, compost or well-rotted manure in late autumn will help to protect them during cold winter weather.
Harvest with secateurs from July to October when the flower buds are large enough, but before they open and start to produce flowers.
Just boil or steam for 20-40 minutes, drain, remove the leaf scales one by one, dip them in melted butter, vinaigrette or Hollandaise sauce and then suck out the juicy flesh from each scale.
After harvesting the main head, secondary heads will appear and these too can be used once large enough.
