Organic Green Globe Artichoke Seeds
Cynara scolymus
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Stratify seeds by putting them in damp sand in the fridge for 2 weeks. Then germinate seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before last frost. Plant them 1/4" deep, in 4" pots, and keep the seedlings at a temperature of 60-70 degrees. Once they grow several leaves, expose them to temperatures lower than 50 degrees F for at 12-20 days; this process, called vernalization, acts as a false "winter" that enhances the growing process. Transplant the seedlings outside two weeks after the last spring frost. Space them 48" apart in rows 64" apart. Direct sowing the seeds outside after last frost also is an option, though it takes the plants longer to mature. Artichokes can also be fall planted, especially in warmer climates, since artichokes thrive in cool weather.
Growing: Take care to keep the young plants moist at all times and surrounded with mulch, compost, or straw. If fungus begins to form because of too much humidity, cut back on the water, and remove the affected leaves at once. Buds should begin to form about 120 days after transplanting, depending upon the climate. To overwinter this plant in warmer climates such as zone 7 and above, cover it thickly with mulch. Prevent excess moisture, as this often causes artichokes to die over winter. In zone 6 and colder, it will be necessary to dig up the plants by the roots, cut the stem to 3", and store them with the roots protected in a cool place until spring. Replant them after the last frost.
Harvesting: If planted soon enough in the spring in warmer climates, artichokes might produce a small crop before fall. Harvest them before the petals of the choke begin to open, and the size reaches about 4". Cut the heads with about 3" of the stem attached. Use immediately for the freshest flavor, or keep refrigerated for up to five days.
Seed Saving: To save the seed, allow the chokes to fully develop and form flowers. Either collect seed heads when flowers turn brown, or allow seed heads to dry on plants. When heads are dry, break them open and collect the seeds. Clean and dry the seeds before storage in a cool dry conditions.
FAST FACTS
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
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
Harvest Season: Summer, Fall
Pests: Spider Mites, Artichoke Aphids, Artichoke Plume Moth, Flea Beetles, Armyworms, Loopers
Diseases: Crown Rot, Fungus
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Stratify seeds by putting them in damp sand in the fridge for 2 weeks. Then germinate seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before last frost. Plant them 1/4" deep, in 4" pots, and keep the seedlings at a temperature of 60-70 degrees. Once they grow several leaves, expose them to temperatures lower than 50 degrees F for at 12-20 days; this process, called vernalization, acts as a false "winter" that enhances the growing process. Transplant the seedlings outside two weeks after the last spring frost. Space them 48" apart in rows 64" apart. Direct sowing the seeds outside after last frost also is an option, though it takes the plants longer to mature. Artichokes can also be fall planted, especially in warmer climates, since artichokes thrive in cool weather.
Growing: Take care to keep the young plants moist at all times and surrounded with mulch, compost, or straw. If fungus begins to form because of too much humidity, cut back on the water, and remove the affected leaves at once. Buds should begin to form about 120 days after transplanting, depending upon the climate. To overwinter this plant in warmer climates such as zone 7 and above, cover it thickly with mulch. Prevent excess moisture, as this often causes artichokes to die over winter. In zone 6 and colder, it will be necessary to dig up the plants by the roots, cut the stem to 3", and store them with the roots protected in a cool place until spring. Replant them after the last frost.
Harvesting: If planted soon enough in the spring in warmer climates, artichokes might produce a small crop before fall. Harvest them before the petals of the choke begin to open, and the size reaches about 4". Cut the heads with about 3" of the stem attached. Use immediately for the freshest flavor, or keep refrigerated for up to five days.
Seed Saving: To save the seed, allow the chokes to fully develop and form flowers. Either collect seed heads when flowers turn brown, or allow seed heads to dry on plants. When heads are dry, break them open and collect the seeds. Clean and dry the seeds before storage in a cool dry conditions.
FAST FACTS
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
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
Harvest Season: Summer, Fall
Pests: Spider Mites, Artichoke Aphids, Artichoke Plume Moth, Flea Beetles, Armyworms, Loopers
Diseases: Crown Rot, Fungus