Artichoke ‘Green Globe’

This attractive perennial is native the Mediterranean and has deeply lobed silvery-green leaves that grow in an irregular, somewhat fountain-like form. The leaves are long and arching and at maturity the plant can grow 4-5 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide. Fleshy flower buds that are 2-5 inches diameter grow on tall stalks that grow from the center of the plant. These flower buds are the artichokes you cook and eat. If the young artichokes are not harvested, they will continue to grow into a spectacular purple-blue thistle-like flower that is beautiful in cut-flower arrangements. (Cut them just before blooms are fully open).

Artichoke ‘Green Globe’ will produce the first year and the yield from 3 or 4 plants should be quite enough for a small family to enjoy for much of the summer. Plant in winter or early spring in a location that gets full sun, however in areas with very hot summers, it’s best to give them some afternoon shade. Artichokes prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Water them about two times a week. Give plants monthly doses of high-nitrogen fertilizer starting 4 weeks after transplanting.

Aphids are often attracted to globe artichokes but can be easily managed with hard jets of water from the hose to blast off the little critters. Snails, slugs and earwigs also like artichokes so keep an eye out for them too.

We are growing Artichoke ‘Green Globe’ in 1 gallon containers and 4.25” flats. Now that we’ve had some rain, this is a great time to plant them and get them established for summer harvest. Give us a call, “Like” us on Facebook and check out our website www.clearwatercolor.com to see photos of these plants and many more that we are growing.