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Artichoke Seeds

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Useful gardening infomation

It is best to start seeds indoors in late winter, and transplant after danger of frost has passed. Artichokes perform best when grown in rich soil and given plenty of room.

The large flower buds are harvested just before they begin to open. These heads usually start to develop a reddish color when they are ready to be cut. Artichokes can be eaten raw, but are usually steamed for a half hour to 45 minutes, depending on size. The petals or "scales" will pull off easily when they have cooked enough. In addition to the artichoke heart (the base of the flower) the thickened flesh at the base of the larger scales may be scraped off and eaten. The scales get smaller and smaller the deeper you get into the center of the head. The small undeveloped petals are scraped off, leaving the heart.

Most varieties, such as Green Globe Improved, will not produce a crop the first season, and so must be wintered over. The plants will tolerate frozen soil if covered by a thick layer of mulch. Mice may be a problem, tunneling through the mulch to consume the plants during the winter. Overwintering this tender perennial is easier in areas with a mild winter. The flower buds are usually produced in late spring or early summer the second year.

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Sowing Instructions

Start seeds in 4 inch pots in late January or early February. Transplant out 8 weeks later when the soil has warmed. Due to genetic make-up, about 20% of artichoke plants from seed will be useless, so cull (pick out) smaller and albino plants at the time of transplanting.

Sowing Outdoors
Direct sow in early spring when soil temperatures reach 55°F. Direct sown plants may not mature the first year in zones 6 and below. Fertilization Tips-Apply 1 cup of a blended organic fertilizer or a shovel full of chicken manure around each transplant to provide the nutrition necessary for optimum production.

Informative articles found on the web:

How to cook and eat an artichoke
20 great artichoke recipes
All about artichokes
Artichokes 101
How to grow artichokes

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The following seeds are in stock and ready to ship

D9712 Artichoke: Green Globe
6 months. Large green heads with a purple tint. A very flavorful and fleshy variety. Plants grow 4-6’ tall and spread 6-8’. Each plant will yield about 15 buds. Start seed inside in February and transplant outside after the danger of frost is past. It is possible to overwinter artichoke in New England in a sheltered spot with protection.

  1.5g Package ( about 25-30 seeds ) $2.15

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Looking for more Artichoke Seeds? You can find the following on our sister site at NextHarvest.com-Seeds for Truck Patch Growers

NPVAR01 Emerald PVP, High yield, mid-early, thornless, glossy green, buttery flavor, large heart, heat and cold resistant, 180 days.
NPV007 Green Globe Large flower buds, harvest when plump, ornamental with bold blue 6" flowers 68-75º
NPVA01 Imperial Star Earliest, first year from seed, 8 mature buds, 4" dia., spreading plant, 85 days.
NPVA02 Violet (Cynara scolymus) Large purple flower buds, deeply cut leaf, harvest when plump, cool weather initiates flowers.