Grow artichokes anywhere, even in northern gardens. This variety has more uniform plant size, reduced spines, and better production—an improvement of the original, 1863 heirloom, 'Green Globe'. Provide plenty of room and fertile soil and you'll be rewarded with 3 to 5 fresh, delicious artichokes. Perennial in USDA zones 7-10. In cold climates, grow as an annual.

Days to Maturity: 150–180 days

Family: Asteraceae

Type: Artichoke 

Native: Mediterranean region

Hardiness: Frost-tolerant perennial in USDA zones 7-10

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: 5' tall, 4'–8' wide

Variety Info: Dark green with slightly purple base. Heavy bearing. Very few spines. 3 to 5 artichokes per plant in the first year.

Attributes: Frost Tolerant

When to Sow Outside: Cold Climates: Not recommended. Mild Climates: Sow in fall for harvest the following spring.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. Cold Climates: Sow in 4" biodegradable pots 12 weeks before your average last spring frost date. Transplant outside 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–80°F. Protect seedlings from frost. Mild Climates: Sow in 4" biodegradable pots in early fall. Transplant outdoors 6 weeks before your average first frost date, when soil temperature is at least 60°F.

Days to Emerge: 14 days

Seed Depth: ⅛"–¼"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 4'

Row Spacing: 6'

Thinning: Thin to 1 every 4'

Harvesting: For eating, harvest buds when they are still tightly closed, just before they begin to open (opened heads are tough). Cut the central bud first by cutting the stem with a sharp knife 2" below the bud. After harvesting, side shoots will produce smaller harvestable buds (a unique delicacy!).