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

Globe artichokes are a unique and delicious vegetable known for their tender, edible flower buds. Grown primarily in Mediterranean climates, artichokes are prized for their mild, slightly nutty flavor and soft texture when cooked. Both a perennial and annual, depending on your region, globe artichokes require full sun and rich, well-drained soil to thrive. Whether you enjoy them steamed, grilled, or used in dips, growing your own artichokes can be highly rewarding. Here’s your guide to the top 20 globe artichoke varieties to grow, along with tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Globe Artichoke Varieties to Grow

1. Green Globe

Tips: Green Globe prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Water regularly to ensure large, tender buds.
Facts: This heirloom variety produces large, round, green buds with a tender texture and mild, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or grilling.

2. Imperial Star

Tips: Imperial Star grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage large buds.
Facts: Known for its high yield, this variety produces large, tender buds in its first year, making it a great option for annual growing. It matures in about 85 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

3. Violet de Provence

Tips: Violet de Provence thrives in full sun and fertile, moist soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This French heirloom variety produces medium-sized, purple-tinged buds with a tender texture and nutty flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, grilling, or steaming.

4. Romanesco

Tips: Romanesco grows well in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote large, tender buds.
Facts: This Italian variety produces large, round buds with purple hues and a rich, nutty flavor. It matures in about 90 days and is ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

5. Sangria

Tips: Sangria prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure tender, flavorful buds.
Facts: This variety produces deep purple buds with a slightly sweeter flavor than green artichokes. It’s perfect for adding color to dishes and is great for fresh eating or grilling.

6. Opera

Tips: Opera grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage large, tender buds.
Facts: Known for its early maturity, Opera produces tender, green buds with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

7. Big Heart

Tips: Big Heart thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote large, flavorful buds.
Facts: This variety is known for its oversized buds with a tender, meaty texture. It’s ideal for fresh eating, steaming, or grilling.

8. Tavor

Tips: Tavor grows well in full sun and rich, moist soil. Water regularly to ensure large, tender buds.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces large, round buds with a mild, sweet flavor. It matures in about 85 days and is perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

9. Purple of Romagna

Tips: Purple of Romagna prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage large, tender buds.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety produces deep purple buds with a nutty flavor. It’s perfect for adding color to dishes and is great for fresh eating or grilling.

10. Fiesole

Tips: Fiesole grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote even bud development.
Facts: Known for its small, deep purple buds, Fiesole has a sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture. It’s perfect for fresh eating, grilling, or using in appetizers.

11. Nutty Baby

Tips: Nutty Baby prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently to ensure tender buds.
Facts: This variety produces small, tender buds with a sweet, nutty flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating, appetizers, or grilling.

12. Vert Globe

Tips: Vert Globe thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure large, tender buds.
Facts: This variety produces round, green buds with a tender texture and mild flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, steaming, or grilling.

13. Green Globe Improved

Tips: Green Globe Improved grows best in full sun with rich, moist soil. Water consistently to promote large, flavorful buds.
Facts: This improved variety of Green Globe produces larger, more uniform buds with a tender texture and mild, nutty flavor. It’s ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

14. Cardoon

Tips: Cardoon prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to promote large, tender buds and stalks.
Facts: This variety is related to the globe artichoke but is grown primarily for its edible stalks, which have a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, grilling, or cooking.

15. Opera Star

Tips: Opera Star grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote even bud development.
Facts: This variety produces tender, green buds with a mild, nutty flavor. It matures in about 90 days and is perfect for fresh eating or grilling.

16. Arad

Tips: Arad thrives in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure tender, flavorful buds.
Facts: Known for its heat tolerance, Arad produces large, green buds with a tender texture and mild flavor. It’s great for fresh eating or cooking.

17. Purple Italian Globe

Tips: Purple Italian Globe grows well in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote large, tender buds.
Facts: This variety produces large, purple-tinged buds with a nutty flavor. It’s perfect for fresh eating, grilling, or steaming.

18. Lyon

Tips: Lyon prefers full sun and fertile, moist soil. Water consistently to promote large, tender buds.
Facts: This variety produces large, green buds with a tender texture and mild, sweet flavor. It’s great for fresh eating, steaming, or grilling.

19. Salambo

Tips: Salambo grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure tender, flavorful buds.
Facts: This variety produces small to medium-sized, purple buds with a sweet, mild flavor. It’s perfect for adding color to dishes and is great for fresh eating or grilling.

20. Emerald

Tips: Emerald thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Water consistently to promote large, tender buds.
Facts: Known for its deep green buds with a sweet, nutty flavor, Emerald is perfect for fresh eating, cooking, or grilling.

Common Questions About Growing Globe Artichokes

Q: When should I plant globe artichokes?
A: Globe artichokes are best planted in early spring, once the soil has warmed. In warmer climates, artichokes can be planted in fall for an early spring harvest. They thrive in temperatures between 60-70°F (16-21°C).

Q: Can I grow globe artichokes in containers?
A: Yes, globe artichokes can be grown in large containers as long as the pots are at least 18-24 inches deep and wide, with good drainage. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix and water consistently.

Q: How long do globe artichokes take to grow?
A: Globe artichokes typically take 85-100 days to mature, depending on the variety. Some varieties, like ‘Imperial Star,’ can produce buds in their first year, while others may take a full growing season to mature.

Q: How do I know when globe artichokes are ready to harvest?
A: Globe artichokes are ready to harvest when the buds are firm, compact, and about 3-4 inches in diameter. Harvest before the buds open into flowers by cutting the stem just below the bud.

Q: How do I store harvested globe artichokes?
A: Freshly harvested artichokes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, store them in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel.