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Artichoke Green & Purple Seed
Cynara - scolymus
$1.99

Item #0193

Artichokes are easy grow in any climate if you have the space. (Green Globe Improved gets 5' tall and 8' wide, hardy to USDA zones 5-6 with protection. Purple of Romagna gets 6' tall and 8' wide, hardy to USDA zones 8-9). The secret is to start them indoors very early, so they will have enough time to form buds. 'Green Globe Improved' is a selection of the popular heirloom 'Green Globe' and does well in shorter seasons. 'Purple of Romagna' is an Italian heirloom that is coveted by chefs for its color and tenderness. The hardest part will be deciding whether to grow them to eat or for their ornamental architectural beauty in the garden! This packet plants: One 20-foot row.

When to plant outside: Cold Climates: Not recommended. Warm Climates: Sow in fall for harvest the following spring.

When to start inside: Cold Climates: Sow in 4" pots 12 weeks before your average last spring frost date. Transplant outside after average last frost date. Warm Climates: Sow in 4" pots in early fall. Transplant outdoors 6 weeks before average first frost date.

Special Sowing & Germination Instructions: Germination is best when temperatures are in the mid-60's. After germination, place in full sun (or under grow light indoors) where temperature is 50 degrees. Transplant after four true leaves appear. Growth will be slow at first and pick up once established.

Harvesting: Typical yields are 2-3 artichokes per plant. For eating, harvest buds when they are still 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!) if you cut the main stems to about 1 foot above the ground. Artichokes are best eaten fresh immediately after harvest as flavor declines from the moment they are cut. But, they may be stored in the refrigerator in a paper bag for a few days.

Container Tips: Artichokes may be grown in LARGE containers 36" wide x 24" deep. One plant per container. Try using a large whiskey barrel. Remember-artichokes do not produce until the 2nd year. If you are in a cold climate, they may not over winter in a container.