This artichoke is a vigorous plant that will grow to around 2m in height.
The chokes are usually very round to slightly flattened in shape and vary in from a greyish green to medium green in colour.
The chokes themselves have large hearts and thick leaves.
It is a very decorative plant but when planted so that it acts as a windbreak or background plant it looks very attractive.
It will produce good quantities of delicious tasting food which is said to have more antioxidants than any other vegetable.
The seeds should be planted 1cm deep in trays of deep seedraising mix with plenty of space separating the seeds.
Transplant the seedlings into the garden when they are about 15-20cm tall.
Plant them at least 1m apart in rows 2m apart or individually in corners etc.
They make a lovely show in the flower garden with their striking form.
Botanical name: Cynara scolymu