This plant is a perennial vegetable that have blue-grey leaves and thistle-like flowers. They also make a beautiful addition to a border by their architectural structure. They may grow up to 1.2-1.5 m tall and 90 cm spread. Globe artichokes are grown for their green and purple flower buds, which have edible, fleshy pads at the base of outer scales and the top of the flower stem. They are mostly eaten cooked or pickled.

Globe artichokes grow best in cool climates, as they prefer temperature of 13-18 Celsius degrees (55-64 F) and can tolerate light to medium frosts. For best results find a place in open but not exposed site where to plant your Globe artichokes. It likes fertile, well-drained soil, with low levels of nitrogen. Before planting your Globe artichokes prepare the soil by digging in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.

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