Artichoke Seeds 'Green Globe'

When to Sow

Sow indoors from February to April, or outdoors from March to April when conditions are suitable. Starting indoors gives plants a longer growing season and the best chance of producing artichokes in their first year.

How to Sow Indoors

Sow seeds individually, 2cm deep, in modules or small pots filled with moist seed compost. Keep warm until germination, then grow on in cool, bright conditions. Pot on into larger containers as needed to encourage strong root development.

How to Sow Outdoors

Sow seeds 2cm deep in well-prepared soil from March to April. You can sow thinly in a seedbed and transplant young plants to their final positions in summer, or sow 2–3 seeds at each intended planting position and thin to leave the strongest seedling. Protect young plants from late frosts.

Hardening Off & Planting Out

Gradually acclimatise indoor-raised plants to outdoor conditions before planting out in May or June, once the risk of frost has passed. Space plants 90cm apart, with 90cm between rows, and water well after planting.

Where to Plant

Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. Remove perennial weeds and incorporate well-rotted garden compost before planting. Allow plenty of room for the large, spreading foliage.

Watering & Feeding

Water regularly during the first growing season and during prolonged dry spells, particularly when flower buds are forming. Mulch with well-rotted compost in spring to retain moisture and improve the soil. Established plants growing in fertile ground may need additional feeding if growth is poor.

Autumn & Winter Care

Globe artichokes are perennial, but young plants and crowns can be damaged by severe frost or prolonged wet conditions. Protect the crowns with a thick mulch of straw or other suitable material in colder areas, and use horticultural fleece during very cold weather.

Keeping Plants Productive

Remove spent flower stems after harvesting. Divide established clumps approximately every 4–5 years in spring if they become crowded or less productive.

Pests & Problems

Protect young plants from slugs and snails, and check developing buds and leaves for aphids. Avoid waterlogged soil, especially during winter.

Vegetables to Grow Alongside Artichokes

While your artichokes are young, make use of the space between them with quick-growing crops such as lettuce, radishes, spring onions and spinach. These can be harvested before the artichokes develop their full spread, giving you more from the same growing space.

Flowers to Grow Nearby

Calendula, nasturtiums and borage bring colour to the vegetable garden and attract bees and other beneficial insects. Their flowers also look lovely alongside the bold, silvery-green foliage of artichokes. Plant them around the edges of the bed, leaving room for the artichokes to spread.

Plan Your Vegetable Bed

Globe artichokes are substantial perennial plants, reaching around 1.2–1.5m tall. Position them where they won't overshadow smaller, sun-loving crops, and remember that they'll remain in the same place for several years rather than being included in annual crop rotation.

When to Harvest

Harvest established plants from June to August. Early-sown plants may produce a few heads in their first year, although allowing young plants to establish before harvesting generally supports stronger growth in subsequent seasons.

When Are Artichokes Ready?

Pick the rounded green buds when they're well developed but the scales are still tightly closed. The largest central bud usually matures first, followed by smaller buds on the side shoots.

How to Harvest

Use sharp secateurs to cut each bud with a short length of stem attached, just above a leaf joint. Check plants regularly during warm weather, as mature buds can begin opening quickly.

Harvesting for Flowers

Leave a few buds unpicked if you'd like to enjoy their large purple, thistle-like flowers. These provide a valuable food source for bees and other pollinating insects.

Flavour & Texture

Globe artichokes have a delicate, slightly nutty flavour. The tender heart and fleshy bases of the scales are the main edible parts.

Preparing & Cooking

Rinse the buds and trim any tough outer scales. Steam or boil larger artichokes until tender, then enjoy with melted butter, lemon or vinaigrette. Remove the fibrous choke before eating the heart. Small, tender buds can also be roasted or sautéed.

Nutritional Benefits

Artichokes provide dietary fibre and nutrients including folate.

Storing Your Harvest

For the best flavour, enjoy artichokes soon after picking. Keep freshly harvested buds in the fridge and use within a few days.