Do Artichokes Flower?

Artichoke History

• The artichoke plant may have originated in the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe. Artichokes were considered a delicacy in Greece, Rome and Sicily, being reserved for the wealthy. Catherine de Medici, married to King Henry II of France, is credited with making the artichoke popular by bringing it to France during the mid-16th century. It was introduced in the United States by French immigrants during the 1800s and in California by the Spanish. The central coast, south coast and Riverside and Imperial counties of California grow more than 99 percent of the United States artichoke crop. Because of its focus on growing them, the California town of Castroville was named the Artichoke Center of the World.

Artichoke Uses

• The artichoke may be grown for food, or as an attractive addition to your landscape garden. Buds harvested before they have a chance to bloom can be eaten or enjoyed in floral and decorative vegetable displays. Open flowers are purplish blue in color and will grow up to a diameter of about 7 inches. These flowers may be dried and used in arrangements or bouquets. The silvery-gray leaves and striking blooms of the artichoke can serve as a dramatic element along fences or behind smaller flowering plants in your ornamental garden.

Growing Artichokes

• The globe artichoke is a cool-weather perennial enjoying about 75 degrees Fahrenheit during daytime with cooling down to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It needs well-drained, moist soil and enjoys sun to partial shade. Growing best in United States Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 9, the artichoke spreads from 3 to 5 feet wide, with roots reaching to 4 feet deep. If
  If you live in a climate with cold winters, you may grow artichokes as annuals by starting with new transplants each year. Start them indoors in late winter to early spring, and they should be ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, according to the Vegetable Gardener.

Artichoke Trivia

• The first artichoke queen of Castroville, California's Artichoke Festival was Norma Jean Baker in 1947. She was later known as Marilyn Monroe. Monterey county's Castroville is home to what is called the World's Largest Artichoke; a 20-feet-tall and 12-feet-wide concrete sculpture, sitting in front of The Giant Artichoke restaurant in town. There are only about 65 calories in an artichoke, making it a good choice for those trying to lose weight, or keep it off.