Globe Artichokes are nutritious, being high in fibre, Vitamin C and various minerals including iron. They are equally at home in the herbaceous border as the veg patch as they grow to around 4ft high and are quite decorative. Plants have a productive life of 4 years but they do produce suckers which can be planted in the spring, providing a continuous supply of artichokes once the mature plant has come to the end of it's useful life.

Sowing from Seed

You can grow from seed but artichokes are best grown from established plants. Sowing takes place once the soil has warmed up, mid Spring, in free draining soil. Sow 2-3 seeds in stations 30cm (12in) apart at a depth of around an inch. Seed sown outdoors usually flowers the year after sowing.

Growing on and Young Plants

Thin out so to 9 inches apart and transplant the thinnings. Plant out the following spring, spaced at 36 inches between each plant. A light and loamy, free draining soil is essential. Pick a sunny and sheltered spot and rake in a general fertiliser a week or two before planting. Plants will need watering well until established and during dry weather. Mulching around the stems can help with moisture retention. Hoe regularly and apply a liquid feed every couple of weeks. Keep an eye out for slugs and aphids and treat accordingly.

Harvest

In the first year, remove any appearing heads before they have a chance to develop and discard. Harvesting begins in earnest the following year. Start with cutting off the main head first once it becomes large and swollen (but before it begins to open), leaving a couple of inches of stem attached. Give the plant a feed after cropping begins. Following that, the secondary heads will appear later in the season, which can also be used. In preparation for winter, cut stems down in autumn and cover the crown with a suitable insulation such as straw or leaves, removing them again in spring.