The artichoke (Cynara Scolymus) is the embodiment of edible blossoms and a very old vegetable and medicinal plant, which has already been cultivated for a long time. It's home in the Mediterranean region, where there have already been first records about this impressive plant as early as in the first century after Christ. However, the artichoke wasn't known in France and England before the 15th century. Today, the artichoke can also be found in cottage gardens as it, with its exotic appearance, is not only useful but also very magnificent and decorative.
Indeed, the artichoke can also be grown as a balcony vegetable. Then, however, it needs large, high pots with a minimum volume of 20 litres. It's also known as a medicinal plant as was chosen Medicinal Plant of the Year in 2003. It's stimulating for the liver and gall and has an appetizing, digestive, and cholesterol-lowering effect. For medicinal use, an infusion of dried artichoke leaves, which is applied internally as a tea, is suitable.
Seeds, approx. 20 Globe Artichoke seeds