Common Name: Artichoke Green Globe
Latin Name: Cynara scolymus
Description: Grey-green thistle-like plant which will bear well for up to 5 years. Choose sunny, well drained soil where it can spread out. Prefers mild winters and cool summers. Perennial. Height 1 – 1.5m.
Harvesting: Buds appear in early spring of the second year. Harvest before they open when 5-10cm across.
Best Results: Fertilise well at planting. Prune to five strongest shoots in winter. Divide after 4 or 5 years.
Uses: Boil or steam larger artichoke or sauté smaller ones. Preserve artichoke hearts in oil.
Companion: Plant with other perennial vegetables such as asparagus.