Perennial / Desiduous Trees / Artichoke - Green Globe - Organic Vegetable
 
 
  •   Plant name - Artichoke
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  •   Common name - Cynara Green Globe
  •   Plant type - Vegetable - herb
  •   Vegetation type - Perennial
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  •   Growth rate - fast
  •   Leaf / Flower color - Green / purple
  •   Other names - Cynara Green Globe
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    Description :
        The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a variety of a species of thistle cultivated as a food.
        The edible portion of the plant consists of the flower buds before the flowers come into bloom. The budding artichoke flower-head is a cluster of many budding small flowers (an inflorescence) together with many bracts, on an edible base. Once the buds bloom the structure changes to a coarse, barely edible form.
        Another variety of the species is the cardoon. It is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. Both wild forms and cultivated varieties (cultivars) exist. .
     
     Growing Instructions :
    * Start artichoke seeds indoors eight to 12 weeks before the last killing frost in spring if you live in a cooler climate, or six to eight weeks before the last frost if you live in a milder climate such.
    * Fill 4-inch-deep plastic pots with a mixture of one part medium-grit sand and three parts potting soil. Firm the soil mixture to create an even surface. Mist the soil with a spray bottle until the top 2 inches feel moist.
    * Sow two artichoke seeds in each pot. Press the seeds 1/8 inch beneath the soil surface. Sprinkle medium-grit sand over the artichoke seeds to help regulate moisture loss.
    * Place the pots inside a refrigerator for three weeks to cold stratify the seeds. Set the refrigerator to 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
    * Remove the pots from the refrigerator after the cold stratification period. Place them in a warm room with bright, indirect light. Increase the level and duration of light over the course of one week until they are in full sun for at least six hours each day.
    * Water the seedlings as needed to maintain moisture at a depth of 1 inch. Allow the soil to parch slightly between waterings, but do not let it dry out for more than one day.
    * Thin the seedlings once they grow to 2 inches in height and have a set of mature leaves. Remove the less vigorous of the two seedlings.
    * Move the artichoke seedlings outdoors to a partially shaded spot once nighttime temperatures rise above 50 F and all danger of frost has passed.
    * Transplant the artichoke seedlings into a permanent bed with loamy soil and full sun two weeks after the last predicted frost. Space the artichoke seedlings four feet apart.