We planted four or five artichoke plants in our back yard 15 years ago. Two survived, and one has done spectacularly well. Two more have now come up spontaneously. We don't eat the artichokes. I wish I knew what variety the plant is. It doesn't produce globe artichokes like the ones we can buy at outdoor markets or in supermarkets. Anyway, it's a beautiful plant.
Apparently, artichoke plants were brought to southern Europe from North Africa in the Middle Ages and to France from Italy in the 16th century. The artichoke is a domesticated and cultivated thistle variety and is a perennial. We haven't had a freeze hard enough to kill the ones that grow in our yard since we planted them in 2007.
Apparently, artichoke plants were brought to southern Europe from North Africa in the Middle Ages and to France from Italy in the 16th century. The artichoke is a domesticated and cultivated thistle variety and is a perennial. We haven't had a freeze hard enough to kill the ones that grow in our yard since we planted them in 2007.
I was surprised to see them growing here in northern Virginia, but I think the winters often get them here.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember seeing them growing in coastal NC, where I grew up.
DeleteI thought they formed globes albeit small ones. The silver/gray leaves are beautiful leaves are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe leaves are beautiful
DeleteThat really is a lovely plant.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteMaybe it's an ornamental variety of artichoke?
ReplyDeleteCould be.
DeleteA friend in the East Bay says her artichokes are already producing little arties. But they look to be the size of golf balls rather than the commercial-sized ones like tennis balls. I'll have to ask if they're edible, had no idea there were different kinds of these plants.
ReplyDeleteThe weather in northern California has been really warm and sunny, with temperatures in the 80s around Sacramento and up in the Sierra foothills, where our friend Sue lives. So I'm sure they are ahead of us as far as the growing season goes.
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