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.

How to Sow Seeds

Method: Direct sow
Growing notes: Sow thinly to 10mm (1/2in) deep and cover lightly with fine soil. Firm gently and keep moist. Care Transfer into final growing position when large enough to handle, spacing plants 1m (3ft) apart. Water regularly and fertilise each Spring. From the second year, pick the artichokes when swollen, but before the scales open.

When to Plant

General: All year.

Growing Needs

Water requirement: Moderate