Artichoke Gros Vert de Laon

Artichoke Gros Vert de Laon — variety description

Artichoke Gros Vert de Laon (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a perennial vegetable of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). The traditional French globe artichoke, producing the largest heads of all types. A perennial vegetable producing large flower heads that are deep green, slightly purple, with plump hearts.

The plants are easy to grow and last for many years. Its silvery-green foliage and large flower heads make it an interesting plant when grown in an ornamental garden.

The fleshy base of the petals and the fleshy heart are the most edible parts. The heads are usually cut at a diameter of 6-10 cm.

Vigorous and prolific plants grow to a height of 1.8 m and will fruit in the first year from seed, but are usually better when cut back and carried through into the second year.

The artichoke is a refined perennial vegetable with edible flower buds and a magnificent silvery ornamental look.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 88%
• Seeds per packet: 17–23 pcs (1 g)
• Seed origin: USA
• Sowing: March and April; seedlings
• Harvest: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Artichoke Gros Vert de Laon

Artichoke Gros Vert de Laon seeds are sown in March and April. The crop is harvested from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Artichoke Gros Vert de Laon

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: 1 cm
• Spacing: 80–100 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 20–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow from March to April and harvest between May and July. The plants stay productive for at least three years. Sow indoors in warmth from February to March, or sow outdoors once the soil has warmed, for cropping the following year. Sow the seeds at a depth of 6 mm; they should germinate after 10 to 14 days. Transplant in June for a harvest in autumn and the following May. They need a position that receives eight hours or more of sun a day. Seeds sown outdoors flower in the year after sowing. Sow directly when the soil has warmed up in mid-spring for a harvest the following year. Sow in free-draining soil, 2 to 3 seeds per 30 cm. apart. Thin so there is one good plant every 60 cm. The artichoke needs constant moisture: water well. They thrive in a temperate climate near the sea, where the soil has a high salt content. Seaweed is said to be the best possible fertiliser for these plants. Keep artichoke plants well watered until they are established. Apply mulch around the stems in May. During the summer months feed regularly and apply liquid fertiliser at two-week intervals. Water generously when the weather is dry. In late autumn cut back the stems and cover the crowns with bracken, leaves or straw. Remove this protective covering in April. Artichokes come in different sizes: baby, medium and jumbo. All three sizes grow on the same plant. The jumbo grows on the central stem, the medium ones grow at the sides, and the baby ones at the base. The globes are picked before the flowers open to ensure the best flavour. The size of a mature artichoke depends on its position on the plant. Those at the top can be huge, while those at the base, shaded by dense foliage, may grow no bigger than a ping-pong ball. As soon as the little petals begin to open, they are overripe, regardless of size. After the main head is harvested, secondary heads will appear and they can be used too. Expected yield from a mature plant: 10 to 12 heads.

Plant in a sunny spot with deep, rich soil. In winter, cover the roots with mulch.

Harvest and use

The buds are picked while they are tight and closed.

Frequently asked questions

When should Artichoke Gros Vert de Laon be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 17–23 seeds, pack size 1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 88%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Does the artichoke crop in the first year?

With early sowing for seedlings, some varieties produce buds as early as the first autumn; a full harvest comes from the second year.