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Herbaceous Perennial

Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group) 'Green Globe Improved'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

globe artichoke 'Green Globe Improved'

An architectural perennial, up to 1.8m tall, with grey-green leaves. Grown for its edible, fleshy, green flower buds covered with green scales, opening to thistle-like purple flowers in summer and autumn. This variety has been specifically bred for large and more consistent crops with fewer sharp spines

Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Purple Green Grey Silver
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Cynara are robust thistle-like plants with grey-hairy, pinnately lobed leaves and globose purple flower-heads

Name status

Not established

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds. In very cold winters or more northern areas consider winter protection, apply a dry mulch such as bark or straw. See globe-artichokes cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Cut down flowered stems and old foliage in autumn when cropping is over

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails and blackfly (black aphid) when young

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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