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Artichoke
you get about as much actual "food" out of eating an artichoke as
you would from licking 30 or 40 postage stamps.
~Miss Piggy
Artichokes are easy to grow! Brought to North America by Italian immigrants, the artichoke grows wild in the south of Europe but is cultivated in North America. An artichoke is a big thistle plant, native to the Mediterranean. The leaves proceed from the base of the stem and are long and somewhat spiny. The stem is up to 1 m (3 ft) high, branched, with large heads of violet-colored (sometimes white), thistle-like flowers at the summits of the branches.
Cardoon
C. cardunculus
This striking HEIRLOOM perennial plant is grown either as an ornamental artichoke or for its edible leaf stalks. Cardoon grows at least 1.2m (4') tall for a stunning Mediterranean look with huge silvery-green, deeply-cut leaves and thistle-like, hard flowers of rich royal purple. The silvery-grey, fleshy stalks of the inner leaves are eaten. Blanch by wrapping newspaper around the plant when it is 120cm (2') tall. Harvest about 3 weeks later. In the fall the new leaf growth can be treated the same way. Thick stems, steamed and seasoned, are an old-world treat. Unopened flower buds make unusual cut flowers.
Matures in 5-7 months. (open pollinated seeds)
Green Globe
Green Globe artichokes grow on such attractive plants that they are often found in the flower garden. A little patience is needed but the wait is worthwhile. A rich and deeply dug soil is required for the plants to produce their best heads. Starting in March or April, sow seed outdoors 1.5cm (0.5") deep in a seedbed and transplant to the permanent position when seedlings are large enough to handle. Water well. Allow 2-3ft between plants as they will eventually reach a height of 5ft. Young plants produce their best heads in the second year of cropping and become more prolific each year. To cook, rinse thoroughly under a tap and remove the pointed tips. Boil in salty water for 20-40 minutes until tender. Drain upside down and serve hot with melted butter or Hollandaise sauce.
Matures in 5-7 months. (open pollinated seeds)
Imperial Star Organic
The artichokes of Imperial Star are thornless, round, highly uniform and grow as large as 12cm (4.5”). This revolutionary new CERTIFIED ORGANIC artichoke tastes sweeter, is better adapted to cope with our cool winters and springs, and matures in the first year! Better yet, the plants remain productive for three or four years to come.
Matures in 85-90 days. (open pollinated seeds)
Violet Star
This ITALIAN HERITAGE variety Violet Star will live for over 4 years in a mild climate. The flower bud is small, oval, and slightly elongated with violet bracts. This plant produces abundant yields of tender and flavourful purple artichokes.
Matures in 5-7 months. (open pollinated seeds)
Please note, Violet Star seeds will be arriving for 2010 in early February. Please remember that artichokes are perennial, and can be planted late into the spring and early summer for harvests the following year. Violet Star does not normally produce artichokes the first year.