Artichoke Green Globe

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

• depth of sowing: 5 mm
• optimal temperatures for germination: 18 to 26ºC
• time for germination: 10 to 21 days

When to sow:

• indoor sowing 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area, preferably in peat pots

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the seedlings if space is available or keep only the most beautiful ones

Transplant outdoors:

• Harden off the plants outdoors before transplanting them into the garden to give them a cold period (about 7 days below 10ºC) that induces early flowering

Distance in the garden:

• between plants: 90 cm
• between rows: 120 cm

Height of the plants: 150 cm

Soil: humid, rich and well drained

Exposure: full sun

Harvest time (after transplanting): 150 to 200 days

Specificity:

• Mulch the base of the plants to keep the soil moist.
• Perennial in zone 6 with winter protection (mulch and bell).
• Culinary use: when the buds are big, remove the tough leaves around the edge, the very prickly tips and the hay inside, if needed. Artichoke heads should be boiled to grind the inside of the leaves, before reaching the tender heart, which is eaten whole.