Description: Artichokes used to be a crop that cold-climates gardeners only dreamt about, until Tavor was developed. Its short vernalization period means that it can be grown as an annual from seed in one season! Purple-tipped, sweet and tender 4 1/2 chokes are borne on 3 – 4 tall, spineless plants. Expect yields of 4 – 6 chokes per plant.

USDA Certified Organic/ Open Pollinated/ Non-GMO

Pack Size:10 seeds

• General Info
• Germination
• Growing Info
• Growing Indoors

Latin Name:Cynara scolymus
Main Uses:Culinary

Days to Maturity:90 days to maturity
Exposure:Full sun
Height:90 – 120 cm (36 – 48″)
Flower Color:The choke is the flower-bud. If you leave the ‘ripe’ artichoke, a purple thistle-like flower will develop.
Flowering Time:Late summer
Certified Organic:USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 14 days at 21 C.
Sowing: Artichokes must be started indoors in cool climates if they are to be productive. The best time to start is February through mid-March – the earlier the better. We typically pre-soak the seeds in room temperature water or a 25% hydrogen peroxide / 75 % tap water solution; soak for 30 minutes. This softens the seed coat and can speed up germination. Sow into large plug cells or 2″ – 4″ biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the garden. Use a rich potting mix; at SGH we add up to 25% Sea Soil compost to our peat-based seeding mix to add extra built-in organic nutrients. Fertilize right from first watering with a kelp-based fertilizer such as Sea Magic.
Planting depth: Surface. Lightly press into the planting medium.
Planting out: Plant in well-drained fertile soil (in the garden or large container) once seedlings are established and all risk of frost has passed.

Growing in Containers: The serrated leaves make for a beautiful display in (large) mixed planters.

Garden Companions:Companion Plants: Sunflowers are considered good companions for Artichokes.

Special Requirements for Cold Climate Gardeners:Artichokes must be started indoors, early, to be productive in cool climates.

Pest/Disease Issues:Artichoke can attract a number of insects including aphids, snails and slugs. Leaf spot disease may be a problem; when watering, avoid getting water on the leaves.

Suitability for Indoors:Not suited for indoors.