Artichoke (Green Globe Improved)

Botanical Interests Green Globe Improved Artichoke

Grow artichokes anywhere, even in northern gardens. This variety has a 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.

Sowing Information:

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. Sow in 4-inch biodegradable pots 12 weeks before your average last spring frost date. Transplant outside 4 weeks before your average last frost date. The ideal soil temperature for germination is 70°–80°F. Protect seedlings from frost. 
• When to Sow Outside: Not recommended.
• Seed Depth: Plant seeds ⅛–¼ inch deep.
• Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 4 feet
• Thinning: Thin to 1 every 4 feet
• Days to Germinate: 14 days
• Days to Maturity: 150–180 days

Growing Notes:

• 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 inches below the bud. After harvesting, side shoots will produce smaller harvestable buds (a unique delicacy!).
  
• Variety Information: Dark green with a slightly purple base. Heavy bearing. Very few spines. Bears 3 to 5 artichokes per plant in the first year.