Globe artichoke

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

With artichokes, you eat the flower buds before they open. They grow on a large plant with silver leaves that comes back every year. Give it space, sun and soil that drains quickly. Cold, wet winters kill it more often than frost on its own. In the first summer, cut off the flower stalks so the plant can settle in.

Looking after it

Water: Artichokes need normal watering. Water regularly in the first season and while the buds are forming. In dry soil you get fewer, smaller buds. Once the plant is settled, it copes with short dry spells. Feeding: It needs average feeding. Dig in plenty of compost before planting and mulch around it each spring. On poor soil or in a pot, add a high-potassium feed in spring.

Harvest and keeping

Cut the buds when they are full size but still tightly closed, with a few centimetres of stem. Cut the main bud first and the smaller side buds will follow. In warm weather, check every few days, because the buds open fast. The buds keep 3 to 5 days in a bag in the fridge.

What can go wrong

Aphids. Clusters of small black or green insects sit on the buds and shoot tips. Wash them off with a strong jet of water. Let ladybirds and their larvae eat the rest.
Slugs and snails. They eat young plants and new shoots in spring. Protect young plants and pick off slugs after dark.
Dying in winter. Plants rot or die in cold, wet winters, young ones most of all. In late autumn, cut the stems down and cover the base of the plant with a thick layer of straw or leaves. Take the cover off in spring.

Growing facts: RHS, UC ANR and seed-company sowing guides. Globe artichoke care: RHS and Utah State extension. pH: Cornell extension. Keeping: Utah State extension.