Artichoke, Green

Variety Key Traits:

This Green Artichoke is a high-yielding variety of globe artichoke, renowned for its tender texture and sweet, mild flavor, making it a favorite for gardeners and chefs alike. This fruit vegetable, classified as a member of the Asteraceae family, produces large, round flower buds that are more delicate and flavorful compared to other green globe strains. With its rich nutrient profile, including folate, fiber, biotin, niacin, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, it is considered a superfood, ranking high on the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI).

The hardy, medium-sized plant has an upright, open growth habit, with deeply serrated, nearly spineless leaves and a vigorous growth rate. The artichokes are slow to open, allowing for a more leisurely harvest, typically when buds reach 4½ inches in diameter. If left unharvested, the buds will bloom into large, thistle-like violet-blue flowers, which can grow up to 7 inches in diameter, adding ornamental value to any garden.

It is perfect for edible landscapes or mixed borders, combining both beauty and utility. As a cool-season vegetable, it’s one of the first to be planted in the garden. Artichoke seeds can be direct sown outdoors in early spring before the last frost date, or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting for a fall harvest. It thrives in cooler temperatures, with ideal day temperatures between 60-70°F and night temperatures between 50-60°F. Row covers can help protect plants if temperatures dip below 25°F. Mulching will help maintain soil moisture, moderate temperature, and control weeds, ensuring healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.