Artichoke ‘Violet de Provence’ – Seeds

(Cynara cardunculus) – Perennial Globe Artichoke

The ‘Violet de Provence’ is a classic French heirloom artichoke renowned for its beautiful purple-tinged flower heads and gourmet flavor. This perennial vegetable produces compact, tender buds that can be harvested young as a delicacy or left to bloom into striking thistle-like flowers for the pollinators. Hardy and long-lived, it is both ornamental and productive, making it a superb choice for kitchen gardens and edible landscapes.

Key Features

• Type: Perennial vegetable

• Heads: Purple-tinged, compact, tender

• Flavor: Rich, nutty, gourmet quality

• Height: 120–150 cm

• Position: Full sun, sheltered spot

• Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Gourmet vegetable gardens

• Edible landscaping and ornamental borders

• Cutting gardens (flowers can be dried)

• Mediterranean-style gardening

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April, in pots or trays.

• Plant out: May, after the last frost, spacing 90–100 cm apart.

• Harvest: From the second year, June–August.

Care Tips

• Mulch well to retain soil moisture.

• Remove side shoots for larger main heads.

• Protect crowns in winter with straw or fleece in colder climates.