Top 20 Varieties of Artichoke to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Artichokes are a gourmet vegetable known for their unique flavor and versatility. Whether steamed, roasted, or grilled, artichokes are a delicious and healthy addition to any garden. While they are considered a Mediterranean plant, they can be grown in many regions with the right care. This guide will explore the top 20 varieties of artichoke you can grow, providing tips on how to cultivate them, interesting facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Artichoke Varieties to Grow

1. Green Globe

Tips: Green Globe thrives in mild climates and prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Start from seeds or root divisions.
Facts: This is the most common variety, known for its large, rounded heads and tender, meaty leaves. It’s perfect for steaming or grilling.

2. Violetta di Chioggia

Tips: Prefers a warm climate and rich soil. Plant in a sunny spot and provide regular watering.
Facts: An Italian heirloom variety with vibrant purple heads, Violetta di Chioggia is known for its nutty flavor and tender texture.

3. Imperial Star

Tips: This variety is excellent for cooler climates and can be grown as an annual. Sow seeds in early spring or fall in warm areas.
Facts: A hybrid variety bred for its ability to produce heads the first year, making it perfect for short growing seasons.

4. Romanesco

Tips: Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Requires regular watering during the growing season.
Facts: Known for its striking purple-tipped leaves and large size, Romanesco has a robust flavor and tender flesh.

5. Purple of Romagna

Tips: Grows best in full sun and rich soil. Provide deep watering and ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
Facts: This Italian variety has deep purple heads with a slightly sweet flavor, perfect for roasting or grilling.

6. Tavor

Tips: Best suited for temperate climates, Tavor can be grown as an annual in cooler regions.
Facts: Known for its uniform, round heads, Tavor is an early-maturing variety with a mild flavor. It’s often used for pickling or fresh salads.

7. Siena

Tips: Siena prefers full sun and regular watering. Start from seeds or cuttings in early spring.
Facts: A hybrid variety that produces large, globe-shaped heads with a tender, meaty texture. It’s excellent for both fresh eating and preserving.

8. Purple Sicilian

Tips: Plant in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil. Provide deep watering during dry periods.
Facts: This heirloom variety from Sicily produces beautiful purple heads with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, perfect for grilling or steaming.

9. Opera

Tips: Opera grows well in rich soil with regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Facts: A compact variety that produces small, tender heads. It’s ideal for small gardens or containers.

10. Emerald

Tips: Emerald artichokes prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential during the growing season.
Facts: This variety produces vibrant green, thornless heads with a mild, buttery flavor, perfect for steaming or sautéing.

11. Big Heart

Tips: Big Heart thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in a sunny location and provide plenty of water.
Facts: Known for its large, thornless heads, Big Heart has a tender, juicy texture and is perfect for fresh eating or grilling.

12. Niscemi

Tips: Prefers warm climates and well-drained soil. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces large, globe-shaped heads with a rich, nutty flavor. It’s ideal for fresh salads or grilling.

13. Gros Vert de Laon

Tips: Best suited for cooler climates with regular watering. Ensure the soil is rich and well-drained.
Facts: This French variety is known for its large, tender heads and is ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or grilling.

14. Carciofo Spinoso Sardo

Tips: Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Provide consistent moisture during dry periods.
Facts: This spiny Italian variety has a slightly bitter flavor that mellows when cooked, making it perfect for roasting or grilling.

15. Violetto

Tips: Grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Facts: Known for its beautiful violet heads, Violetto has a tender, mild flavor and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

16. Globe de Provence

Tips: Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently and ensure the soil doesn’t dry out.
Facts: This French variety produces large, round heads with a rich, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for steaming or grilling.

17. Salambo

Tips: Grows well in warm climates and requires regular watering. Ensure the soil is rich and well-drained.
Facts: This compact variety produces tender, flavorful heads that are ideal for small gardens or container growing.

18. Green Globe Improved

Tips: Green Globe Improved thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in spring for a fall harvest.
Facts: An improved version of the classic Green Globe, this variety produces larger heads with a tender, meaty texture.

19. Blanca de Tudela

Tips: Prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently during the growing season.
Facts: This Spanish variety is known for its large, white-tipped heads and slightly nutty flavor, perfect for fresh eating or roasting.

20. Precoce di Jesi

Tips: Precoce di Jesi grows best in full sun and rich soil. Water regularly and mulch to conserve moisture.
Facts: This early-maturing Italian variety produces small, tender heads with a mild, sweet flavor, ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

Common Questions About Growing Artichokes

Q: When should I plant artichokes?
A: Artichokes should be planted in early spring, once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed. In mild climates, you can plant them in the fall for a spring harvest.

Q: Can artichokes be grown in containers?
A: Yes, artichokes can be grown in large containers, at least 24 inches deep and wide. Make sure the container has good drainage and is placed in a sunny spot.

Q: How long do artichokes take to grow?
A: Artichokes typically take about 85-100 days from planting to harvest. Some varieties, like Imperial Star, are bred to produce heads in the first year, while others may take up to two years to mature fully.

Q: How do I know when my artichokes are ready to harvest?
A: Artichokes are ready to harvest when the heads are fully developed, but before the petals start to open. The heads should be firm and tightly closed. Cut the head with about 1-2 inches of stem attached.

Q: How do I store harvested artichokes?
A: Freshly harvested artichokes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze them.