Pictures of Flowers Artichoke Pictures and Artichoke Kind

By Pictures of flowers

on February 12, 2009

Pictures of Flowers Artichoke Pictures and Artichoke Kind

Artichoke is a perennial flowering plant native to Southern Europe around the Mediterranean. The plant grows about 5-7 feet tall with deeply lobed, arching and silvery green leaves. Flowers of Artichoke develop in a large head from an edible bud with numerous triangular scales. Edible portion of the buds mainly consists of the fleshy lower potions and the base. Artichoke is a vegetable with very delicate flavor. Edible buds are sold fresh or canned and can be eaten boiled, baked, fried, stuffed and in salads and soups.

New plants of Artichoke are generally grown from sprouts or shoots of the older ones. The plants can live for years. Commercial varieties of Artichoke are usually replanted every three or four years. Although Artichoke is technically a perennial but certain species are also grown as annuals that provide a limited harvest at the end of the first growing season. Commercial Artichoke requires good soil, regular watering and feeding in addition to frost protection during winter. Peak season for Artichoke harvesting is the spring. Under standard conditions, Artichoke can remain fresh for two weeks. Besides its use as food, Artichoke is also an attractive plant for its bright floral display. Occasionally, Artichoke is grown in herbaceous borders for its bold foliage and large purple flowerheads.