A French Heirloom Variety. Violet produces pretty chokes with delicious chunky petals. The plants are robust and extra productive, even in marginal landscaping situations. They need rich, well-drained soil, full sun, a temperate climate and plenty of room. This European heirloom is extra early. If you love artichokes, grow both purple and silver varieties for an uninterrupted supply. Baby chokes are wonderful in garlic butter, and if a few grow too big, let them bloom. 

Violet de Provence artichokes are hardy perennial plants in zones 2 to 10, but can be grown as annuals in colder regions that have a shorter growing season. Consistent water is essential when growing artichokes so aim to maintain a lightly moist soil, particularly during active growth in spring and summer. Drought stressed plants produce fewer and smaller buds. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and reduce the need to water. The plants set their buds in mid to late spring and they’re cut back to the ground once production has finished. Globe artichoke plants re-sprout in autumn and crop again the following spring.

Plants are highly ornamental, with big, jagged, silvery leaves and tall flower stems topped with large globe-shaped buds that have pointed scales (sepals). The plants are extremely ornamental with spiky, silvery foliage and flower stalks that grow 3 feet both tall and wide. Most varieties yield 6 to 8 artichokes per plant, but some can produce up to 10. If you don’t harvest all the buds on your artichoke plants they’ll open into purple, thistle-like flowers which add bold color to the garden and attract bees and other pollinators. 

Artichokes are healthy for dogs and contain vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, niacin, and lots of antioxidants. These vitamins and minerals help prevent illness and support your dog’s immune system, muscles, metabolism, and more. Artichokes may also help dogs with irritable bowels.