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
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
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
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Cut down flowered stems and old foliage in autumn when cropping is over
May be susceptible to slugs, snails and blackfly (black aphid) when young
Generally disease-free