Globe Artichokes
Cynara scolymus, or globe artichokes, are delightful perennial vegetables. Their edible portion comprises the base of immature flowerheads, found atop tall stems amid long, serrated leaves.
Culinary Delights
Globe artichokes are commonly enjoyed steamed, with their scales broken and dipped in melted sauce. Additionally, if left unharvested, they produce visually appealing thistle-like blooms.
Ornamental Features
As relatives of the cardoon, globe artichokes boast a dramatic appearance suitable for ornamental herbaceous perennial borders and vegetable gardens. While they grow large, they require a favorable climate for successful cultivation and aren’t fully hardy.
Clarification on Varieties
It’s important to note that globe artichokes are distinct from Jerusalem artichokes, which produce edible tubers.
Growing Globe Artichokes
- Plant in late spring and early summer in good soil and warm, sheltered location.
- Water during flowerhead development and crop in summer.
- Cut back dead growth or leave seedheads standing for raspberries.
- Divide frequently to rejuvenate shops.
when to grow Globe Artichokes Guide
- Grow globe artichokes in warm, sunny, sheltered areas in well-drained soil.
- Give them a large space, reaching 1.5m height and 60cm spread.
- Plant pot-grown shops or bedded sections in spring to early summer.
- Raising from seed is an option, but quality may vary.
- Sow late time-out to early spring in small pots of compost indoors.
- Harden off, plant immature shops in early summer with 5- 6 true leaves.
Planting and Monitoring Globe Artichokes
Plant plants in well-drained soil from spring to early summer, space them 60-90 cm apart, and water them regularly. Cut back dead herbage annually, mulch with organic matter, and feed with potassium-rich fertilizer. Water during dry spells to improve crop size and quality. Divide and plant aged plants multiple times, and lift clumps in spring to transplant fresh immature external corridors, such as suckers or counterpoises.
TIMING FOR HARVESTING GLOBE ARTICHOKES
In its initial year of growth, globe artichokes yield a little crop; in succeeding years, they yield greater yields. Cut the juvenile flowerheads in early summer when they are large enough to eat, or at least the size of a golf ball. Early summer is used to produce the major harvest, with a smaller, secondary crop following later.
Pests and conditions
Globe artichokes are pest-free, but immature shops may require protection from slugs and plodders. Aphids can cause problems, but are rarely problematic and can be controlled by natural bloodsuckers.
