Green Globe Artichoke Seeds. You will receive 20 fresh quality seeds. Free Shipping!
This is an old standard variety that can be grown as a perennial in warmer climates.
Plants can reach heights of up to 6 feet and have silver-green leaves.
The edible flower buds, known as chokes, can grow to 3 or 4 inches across, are green, and consist of thick fleshy scales and solid hearts.
They can be harvested in the second season.
Historians say this thistle family member originated in the Mediterranean and was particularly favored in Sicilian and North African dishes.
Eventually, the artichoke made its way to Italy, and when the renowned Italian Catherine de Medici became queen of Henry II in France in 1533, she brought her love for artichokes along.
Her fondness for this vegetable shocked people back then, as artichokes were seen as an aphrodisiac and were typically consumed only by men.
Over time, artichokes turned into a culinary treat that only the wealthy could enjoy.
The French introduced this vegetable to Louisiana, while two Italian brothers brought it to California.
Today, California produces almost all of the artichokes in the United States, with Castroville, CA being dubbed the Artichoke Capital of the World. Green Globe, which first appeared in catalogs in 1863, is a top choice among commercial growers.
To stratify green globe artichoke seeds, just place them in damp sand and pop them in the fridge for 2 weeks. After that, you can start germinating the Cynara Scolymus seeds indoors about 8-12 weeks before the last frost. Plant them 1/4" deep in 4" pots, and make sure to keep the seedlings in a cozy spot with temperatures between 60-70 degrees. Once they have a few leaves, let them experience some cooler temps below 50 degrees F for 12-20 days; this is called vernalization and it mimics a false "winter" to help them grow better. After that, you can transplant the seedlings outside two weeks after the last spring frost. Make sure to space them 48" apart in rows that are 64" apart. You can also directly sow the green globe artichoke seeds outside after the last frost, but keep in mind that it will take longer for the plants to mature. In warmer climates, you can even plant artichokes in the fall since they do well in cooler weather.
Be sure to keep the young plants moist all the time and surrounded by mulch, compost, or straw. If you notice any fungus due to too much humidity, reduce the watering and remove any affected leaves right away. You should start seeing buds about 120 days after transplanting, depending on the climate. If you're in a warmer zone like 7 and above, you can overwinter this plant by covering it thickly with mulch. Just be careful to prevent excess moisture, as that can lead to artichokes dying over the winter. In zone 6 and colder, you'll need to dig up the plants by the roots, trim the stem to 3", and store them with the roots protected in a cool place until spring. Then you can replant them after the last frost.
If you plant them early enough in the spring in warmer areas, artichokes might give you a small crop before fall. Make sure to harvest them before the petals of the choke start to open and when they reach about 4" in size. Cut the heads with about 3" of the stem still attached. Use them right away for the best flavor, or keep them in the fridge for up to five days.
Latin Name: Cynara scolymus
Species Origin: Heirloom from 1863
Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 600
Seeds for 100' Row: 1/8 Oz
Seeds for 1 Acre: 1/2 Lb
Planting Season: Start In Winter
Planting Method: Sow Indoors and Transplant
Stratification: Stratify 2 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 2 Weeks
Germination Temp: 65F-75F
Germination Days: 10-20 Days
Planting Depth: 0.25 Inches
Planting Spacing: 48 Inches
Thinned Spacing: 48 Inches
Row Spacing: 64 Inches
Days to Maturity: 150 Days
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Heavy, Medium, Light
Height: 60 Inches
Color: Green
Bloom Season: Summer
Harvest Season: Summer, Fall
Pests: Spider Mites, Artichoke Aphids, Artichoke Plume Moth, Flea Beetles, Armyworms, Loopers
Diseases: Crown Rot, Fungus
To preserve the seeds, let the chokes grow completely and bloom. You can either gather the seed heads once the flowers have turned brown or let them dry out on the plants. Once the heads are dry, crack them open and gather the Cynara Scolymus seeds. Make sure to clean and dry the green globe artichoke seeds before storing them in a cool, dry place.
To accelerate the germination of Green Globe Artichoke seeds, stratify them by placing in damp sand in the fridge for two weeks, then sow indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil temperature between 60-80°F for optimal growth.
Seed Accelerator Guide for Green Globe Artichoke Seeds
Sowing Instructions
Stratification: Put seeds in moist sand and refrigerate for 2 weeks.
Indoor Germination: Begin seeds indoors 8-12 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow seeds 1/4" deep in 4" pots.
Temperature: Keep the temperature between 60-70°F for the best growth.
Vernalization: Once several leaves appear, expose seedlings to temperatures under 50°F for 12-20 days to mimic winter.
Transplanting
Timing: Move plants outdoors 4 weeks before your area's last frost date.
Spacing: Position plants 36" apart in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
Growing Conditions
Watering: Ensure the soil stays consistently moist, particularly for young plants. Apply mulch to help retain moisture.
Fertilization: Fertilize generously to encourage robust growth.
Harvesting
Timing: Pick buds when they are tightly closed, usually around 120 days after transplanting.
Method: Use a sharp knife to cut the central bud, 2" below it. Side shoots will yield smaller buds for later harvesting.
Additional Tips
Frost Tolerance: Green Globe artichokes can withstand frost and can be grown as perennials in USDA zones 7-10.
Annual Growth: In cooler regions (zones 3-6), treat them as annuals and replant every year.
By following these tips, you'll set yourself up for a successful growing season with your Green Globe Artichoke seeds.
Green Globe Artichoke offers several medicinal benefits, including improving digestion, lowering cholesterol levels, and supporting liver health. It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can help reduce symptoms of indigestion and promote overall gut health.
