Artichoke Seeds VIOLET DE PROVENCE

Artichoke Seeds Violet de Provence

Price for Package of 10 seeds

🌱 Artichoke Violet de Provence is a traditional type valued for its attractive medium sized violet purple flower heads and excellent combination of ornamental and edible qualities. The plants develop the characteristic architectural form of globe artichokes, with large foliage and thistle like heads that become increasingly decorative as they mature.

This productive perennial artichoke is suitable for vegetable gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean style planting and ornamental borders. The young flower heads are harvested before the flowers open and can be enjoyed fresh while the mature plants also provide striking violet blue flowers later in the season.

🌡️ Temperature Resistance and Winter Hardiness

Hardiness: Globe artichoke is classified by the RHS as H5, corresponding to approximately -15°C to -10°C (5°F to 14°F) under UK growing conditions. The exact winter tolerance depends on plant age, drainage, exposure and local conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

In colder areas, protect established crowns with a thick layer of dry mulch such as straw, leaves or bark. The RHS specifically recommends dry winter mulch for globe artichokes during very cold winters. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Young plants are more vulnerable to severe frost than established plants, so additional protection is particularly useful during their first winter.

🌱 Plant Features

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial

Botanical Group: Cynara cardunculus Scolymus Group

Common Name: Globe Artichoke

Variety: Violet de Provence

Flower Head Color: Violet purple

Plant Habit: Upright and architectural

Family: Asteraceae

Position: Full sun

Soil: Fertile and well drained

Productive Life: Several years when grown under suitable conditions

Globe artichokes form large, architectural plants with deeply divided foliage and rounded edible flower buds. The buds eventually open into attractive thistle like purple flowers. The RHS lists globe artichokes as architectural perennial plants and recommends fertile, well drained soil in full sun. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

🌸 Flowers and Ornamental Value

When the edible flower heads are left to mature, they develop into impressive thistle like blooms in shades of violet and purple. This makes the plant useful not only as a vegetable crop but also as an ornamental garden specimen.

The large foliage provides strong structure in borders, while the mature flower heads can attract attention throughout summer and into autumn.

🌞 Growing Conditions

Light: Full sun

Soil: Fertile, deep and well drained

Moisture: Moist but never permanently waterlogged

Position: Sheltered from strong winds where possible

Artichokes perform best in a sunny position with fertile soil and good drainage. The RHS recommends full sun and fertile, well drained soil for globe artichokes. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Regular moisture is particularly important during active growth and when flower heads are developing, but saturated soil should be avoided.

🌱 Sowing Instructions

Propagation: Seeds

Indoor Sowing: Sow from February to March under glass or in a greenhouse.

Sowing Depth: Approximately 6 mm (1/4 inch)

Germination Time: Approximately 10–14 days under suitable conditions.

Outdoor Sowing: Sow in spring once the soil has warmed sufficiently.

Outdoor Method: Sow 2–3 seeds per station approximately 30 cm (12 in) apart. Once seedlings are established, thin to the strongest plant.

For transplanting, young plants can be moved carefully into their final growing position once they are sufficiently developed and outdoor conditions are suitable.

🌿 Seedling Care and Transplanting

Keep the seed compost evenly moist during germination without allowing it to become saturated. Provide plenty of light once seedlings emerge.

When the young plants are large enough to handle, transplant them carefully. Choose a permanent position with sufficient space for the mature plant to develop its large foliage.

Allow approximately 60 cm (24 in) between established plants where space permits. Larger spacing can be beneficial when growing plants for maximum production.

💧 Watering and Feeding

Water regularly during active growth and particularly during dry periods. Keep the soil moist but ensure excess water can drain away freely.

A balanced liquid fertiliser can be applied during the growing season according to the fertiliser manufacturers instructions. Organic matter incorporated into the soil before planting can help improve fertility and moisture retention.

Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress competing weeds. Keep mulch slightly away from the crown itself to reduce the risk of excessive winter moisture.

❄️ Winter Protection

After the harvesting season, remove old damaged foliage and prepare the plants for winter. In colder climates, cover the crown with dry straw, leaves, bracken or another breathable insulating material.

The RHS rates globe artichokes as H5, meaning approximately -15°C to -10°C (5°F to 14°F). In particularly cold or exposed locations, winter protection is strongly recommended. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

🌾 Harvesting

Harvest artichoke heads while the flower buds are still closed. The central main head is normally harvested first, followed by smaller secondary heads that develop on side stems.

Harvesting should be carried out before the bracts begin opening widely, when the edible portions are at their best quality.

The supplied information indicates a potential yield of approximately 10–12 heads per plant under suitable growing conditions.

After harvesting the edible heads, some remaining buds can be allowed to mature and flower if ornamental value is desired.

🧊 Storage

Fresh artichoke heads are best consumed soon after harvesting. For short term storage, place them in plastic bags or another suitable container that helps prevent excessive moisture loss.

For the best flavour and texture, freshly harvested heads should be prepared as soon as practical.

🌻 Companion Planting

Suggested companions: Sunflower and Tarragon.

Artichokes can also be integrated into mixed ornamental vegetable borders where their large foliage and architectural form provide structure and height.

🌸 Additional Uses

Beyond its edible flower buds, Violet de Provence has considerable ornamental value. Mature flower heads open into attractive violet purple thistles that can be left on the plant for garden decoration.

Artichoke plants also provide strong architectural structure in borders and can be particularly effective in Mediterranean and cottage style gardens.

🏡 Garden Uses

• Vegetable gardens

• Cottage and informal gardens

• Mediterranean style gardens

• Architectural planting

• Flower borders and beds

• Edible landscaping

• Cut flower and dried flower gardens

• Wildlife friendly gardens

The combination of large foliage, edible flower buds and dramatic purple flowers makes this variety a versatile choice for gardeners who want both productivity and ornamental interest from the same plant.

⚠️ Important Notes

Artichoke plants become large and should be given adequate growing space. Their foliage can also be spiny, so handle mature plants carefully.

Good drainage is particularly important during winter. In very cold areas, use dry mulch to protect the crown.

The exact hardiness of an individual plant can vary with local climate, soil moisture, wind exposure, plant maturity and winter protection. The RHS hardiness classification for globe artichoke is H5, approximately -15°C to -10°C. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

The variety is grown primarily for its violet purple edible flower buds, but if the heads are not harvested they can develop into highly decorative thistle like flowers.

This product contains 10 seeds.

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