Decorative delicacy vegetable and a decorative flower.

Artichokes are impressive and decorative large perennials in the garden. The flowers are dark blue and contrast beautifully with the grayish-silver foliage.

Harvested in bud, the flowers are used as flower hearts, as are the scale leaves, which are a delicacy in the kitchen.

The seeds are sown under glass in February–March/March–April at 20–22°C, directly in a small pot with one seed. The seeds germinate in about 14–20 days. Once the plants are large enough, they are planted directly outdoors at a spacing of approximately 80 x 80 cm. Harvesting takes place from August in the first year, and from July in subsequent years.

Artichokes are perennials that prefer well-drained soil. Wet and cold conditions, especially in winter, can lead to loss of plants. We recommend pruning, covering with straw, and then covering with plastic sheeting until mid-March. Protected this way, artichokes can last for several years.