Purple Italian Globe, Artichoke Seeds

Purple Italian Globe Artichoke Seed

Violet-green globes create a distinctive edible-landscape centerpiece
Italian heritage brings classic Mediterranean garden character
Large flower stalks display buds above bold foliage
Unharvested chokes open into striking purple flowers

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Cynara scolymus

Days to maturity

120 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

25 Seeds

About Purple Italian Globe, Artichoke Seed, Artichoke Seed

The Purple Italian Globe Artichoke, scientifically known as Cynara scolymus var. scolymus, is a stunning and delectable vegetable that has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Originating in the Mediterranean region, this particular variety of artichoke has been cultivated for centuries and is prized for both its ornamental appearance and culinary value. Its striking purple and green hues make it a unique addition to any garden or dinner table.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

7–21 days

In-row plant spacing

36-48"

Row Spacing

4-6'

Plant profile

Maturity

Summer

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

60 inches

Growth Habits

Upright, Rosette

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

625

Color

Purple

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Choose a full-sun site with deep, fertile, well-drained soil and room for large plants. Work several inches of compost into the bed and adjust fertility according to a soil test. In cold-winter areas, plan for transplant culture and provide the young plants with the cool-temperature exposure needed to encourage bud production.

Planting

Start artichoke seed indoors 8–12 weeks before the last spring frost, maintaining about 70–75°F until germination. After emergence, provide strong light and cooler growing conditions. Harden seedlings gradually before transplanting after severe frost danger has passed. In cold-winter regions, expose young plants to roughly 10 days of cool, nonfreezing temperatures to encourage first-year bud formation.

Watering

Keep the artichoke root zone consistently moist as plants enlarge and form buds, generally supplying 1–2 inches per week from rain and irrigation. Water deeply rather than frequently; drought lowers bud quality, while saturated crowns are prone to rot.

Fertilizer

Feed artichokes as heavy feeders, side-dressing with a balanced fertilizer during vigorous growth and again as buds begin forming. Follow soil-test recommendations and avoid excessive nitrogen.

Harvesting

Cut artichoke buds while they are firm, tightly closed, and full-sized but before the scales begin opening. Leave several inches of stem attached and use a clean knife. Smaller side buds can be harvested afterward.

Tips

Protect crowns with a deep mulch where winters are marginal, removing it gradually in spring. Divide crowded perennial plants every few years, and remove old stalks after production ends.

Pests & Diseases

Verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, Botrytis blight, and crown or root rot can affect artichokes. Watch for stunting, one-sided wilting, leaf-edge death, white coating, gray mold, or collapsing crowns. Use disease-free seed, rotate away from wilt-susceptible crops, provide drainage and airflow, water below foliage, and remove declining plants.

Watch for aphids, slugs, earwigs, artichoke plume moths, and snails. Inspect developing buds and leaf undersides, handpick larger pests, remove damaged material, and encourage beneficial insects before using labeled treatments.