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Violet-tinged buds of heritage artichoke ‘Violet de Provence’, a traditional French variety with tender, nutty hearts.

Artichoke ‘Violet de Provence’

£2.60

Availability: In stock

Cynara Scolymus  – 10 Seeds        

An old French variety dating back to the 19th century, first grown in southern France.

This traditional French artichoke has beautiful violet-tipped buds and tender, nutty hearts. It’s been grown in Provence for generations and remains a favourite in French kitchens for its flavour and reliability.

The plants are tall and striking, producing multiple edible flower heads that can be steamed, grilled or roasted. A productive, long-lived perennial that earns its place in any kitchen garden.

The artichoke seeds should be sown in trays or modules at around 18°c in late winter/early spring. Pot on when the seedlings are large enough to handle and plant out from early summer around 90cm apart. The buds should be harvested before they open when they are golf ball sized. Ideally the plants should be replaced every 3-4 years to maintain yields.

Sow: February – April

Plant out: May – June

Harvest: July – September

Position: Full sun

Spacing: 90 cm

Ideal for: Kitchen gardens · Perennial beds · Mediterranean cooking

Seed Story

Artichokes are one of the oldest known foods. They have been domesticated from the Wild Cardoon, a thistle like plant, which is native to the Mediterranean and North Africa where it still grows wild.

The Globe Artichoke is also known as the French Artichoke or the Green Artichoke and it is the flower bulb which is the edible part, before it blooms.

Artichokes were cultivated in Naples in the 15th Century and Catherine de Medici made them famous when she brought them with her to France when she arrived to marry Henry II. They soon became a gourmet food amongst European aristocrats. They were introduced to Britain by the Dutch with Henry VIII being particularly fond of them. They grew in his garden at Newhall.

They were taken to America in the early 1800’s by the French who settled in Louisiana. The Spanish later took them to California.

Artichokes are often called a ‘superfood’ due to the high level of antioxidants they contain.

They symbolise hope and prosperity due to their tender heart which is protected by layers of strong leaves.

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