Organic Artichoke Imperial Star, Tavor

Artichoke Imperial Star, Tavor
Cynara scolymus
Approx. 21 seeds per gram
Statuesque perennial that’s considered a gourmet Mediterranean delicacy. Artichokes are members of the thistle family and thrive in much of the UK.
The plants grow to a height of a meter or so. The edible ‘globe’ – with its delicate aniseed flavour – is the bud of the flower and can be cut from early summer when they are swollen and firm. Any heads not harvested will open into a large purple flower which are great for attracting bees to your plot.
Globe artichokes can be grown as annuals, but if you have the space we suggest giving them a permanent position. They are decorative and architectural enough to be grown in the flower border or perfect for the pottager garden.

Imperial Star, Tavor is an improved Green-Globe type which gives up to 8 good-sized buds on each plant.

How to grow:
Sow the seed in pots or trays under cover at 18°C. Pot up as they grow and plant out around 90cm apart in a permanent growing position during late summer or the following spring.
Harvest the buds from July onwards.
Pests and diseases:
Globe artichokes do not suffer particularly from pests or diseases.
They do need a sunny sheltered position and do not like waterlogged soil.
How to cook:
We like to soak them in salted water for 30 minutes or so (to get rid of any insects) and trim the sharp points of the outer leaves before boiling for 20-40 minutes depending on the size.
When picked young and eaten from your own garden most of the bud is tender and edible. Later, the choke (the mass above the heart) becomes more fibrous and should be discarded.