Artichokes: plant profile, flowers & benefits
Grown for their delicious flower heads, globe artichokes are also ornamental and can add height and structure to a border. Learn more about globe artichokes and their benefits.
Also known as the French or green artichoke, the globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) originates from warmer climates. Nevertheless, you can successfully plant and grow globe artichokes in your own garden to enjoy their flavoursome hearts. Not only that but your garden will also thank you for all the wonderful pollinators that the artichoke plants will attract.
Artichokes: origin and characteristics
Believed to be a descendant of the wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus), globe artichokes originate from parts of the Mediterranean and North Africa. However, it was not until the 15th century that globe artichokes were cultivated domestically and seen as a sign of prosperity. Considered a delicacy today, artichoke hearts are highly sought after, especially in Italy, which is the world’s largest producer.
As a perennial, globe artichoke plants die back in the winter but come back year after year and remain productive for several years. Producing only small leaves in their first year, they then go on to develop vigorous growth, forming large plants up to 2m high and wide. Globe artichoke plants develop large and serrated green-grey leaves up to 1m in length, which are ornamental in their own right. However, the large globe-shaped flower heads that form on the top of tall thick stems are the real show stopper. In their second-year artichokes plants are in season from early summer onwards. You can harvest globe artichokes when they are small with their buds still forming for cooking and eating whole or later in July to August when the scales are large enough to enjoy individually. When eating larger globe artichokes, it is just the inner heart and lower part of the scales that are eaten, as when mature the hairy choke is too fibrous and tough to eat.
However, you can also choose to let the flower heads develop and show off their magnificent purple blooms. The tall and striking flowers are ideal for the back of a border and are a magnet for bees and butterflies. There are several globe artichoke varieties to choose from, with a range of plant sizes and either green or purple flower heads.
When established, globe artichoke plants are generally frost-tolerant and depending on the variety are rated H4 to H5 for hardiness, indicating that they can survive temperatures as low as -5 °C to -15 °C. However, exposed sites or frost pockets can lead to wind or frost damage, especially to younger plants, so winter protection is advisable.
Benefits of artichoke
If you are wondering if artichokes are good for you, you will be pleased to hear that they are a great source of fibre, vitamins C and K, magnesium and potassium. Additionally, the edible parts of globe artichokes are high in folate and other antioxidants. Historically used for liver problems, globe artichokes are also said to support digestive and gut function. Furthermore, artichoke extract is available from health food shops as a supplement. However, it is important to note that artichoke extract should not be taken by those who are intolerant of the daisy family (Asteraceae) or those who are breastfeeding or pregnant. You can also make your own artichoke tea, either by boiling the young flower heads whole or from dried artichoke tea leaves.
Toxicity
Unlike onions, garlic, and grapes, it is generally considered that globe artichokes are not poisonous for cats or dogs. However, due to their fibrous nature, artichokes can pose a choking and digestive hazard, particularly for smaller animals. So, it is best to avoid feeding them to cats and dogs.
Although similar in name, the globe artichoke is not actually related to the Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus). Discover more about the perennial Jerusalem artichoke and its edible tubers in our separate article.
