Violet de Provence Artichoke

Description

This French heirloom is noted for its fine flavour and pretty purple buds that really stand out on the big, ornamental plants, especially when the buds open. Rare outside Europe.

This gourmet ‘vegetable’ is actually a flower head of the plant and very popular in French cuisine. Violet de Provence has colourful heads and a finer flavour than green varieties. Perennial plant in frost free areas and resilient once established.

May produce small artichokes in first summer but remove these to eat at golf ball size. Don't allow them to grow to full size as they will hamper the development of the plant. Pick when scales are tightly closed to be at their best for eating or allow to flower if you want to use them in arrangements. Cut them down to the ground in summer. May need staking in windy areas.

Sow thinly to 10mm deep and cover lightly with fine soil. Firm gently and keep moist. Transfer into final growing position when large enough to handle, spacing plants 1m apart. Water regularly and fertilise or compost well each Spring.

Seeds/Packet: (min. 20 Seeds)

Please see the Artichoke category page for detailed Growing Instructions or download the PDF guide from this page.