Artichokes are widely consumed around the globe for their unique taste and health benefits, especially in Europe. Katharine Baetjer in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: Chefs-d'œuvre de la peinture européenne. Exh. cat., Fondation Pierre Gianadda. Martigny, 2006, p. 18 [Catalan ed., Barcelona, 2006, p. 18]. Artichoke, as food and flower, is equally dazzling and a fully bloomed Artichoke flower with a purple hue is simply spellbinding. Generally, Artichokes, as cut flowers or even dried, give exciting texture and color to bouquets and floral arrangements. Martigny. Fondation Pierre Gianadda. "The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: Chefs-d'œuvre de la peinture européenne," June 23–November 12, 2006, no. 46.

Generally, the Artichoke flower witnesses the symbols of prosperity and strength, while the center of an Artichoke, known as a “heart,” represents hope for future love. Next, use your fingers to gently pry apart the flower bud. You’ll notice the seeds themselves are attached to hairy carriers that allow them to be blown away by the wind. Interestingly, the flower of the artichoke plant has been used as a symbol of hope, prosperity, peace, and resiliency in many cultures. No Hand Involvement! Artichokes are self-fertile so hand pollination is not required. 3. Harvesting Artichoke FlowersGardeners with mild, frost-free winters don’t necessarily have to cut their artichoke plants completely to the ground. However, we’ve found the plants respond very well to it! It removes dead leaves and stems, pests and fungal spores, and gives them a vigorous fresh start. Caroline Durand-Ruel. "Quand les Havemeyers aimaient la peinture française." Connaissance des arts no. 544 (November 1997), p. 108. After which, you can expect the purple bundle’s arrival once the bud starts opening in summer (May). These attractive purple flowers add interest, texture, and variety to any garden. They’re also a hit with pollinators, particularly bees who love to nestle in between the bracts as they collect pollen and nectar.

New York. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "The Impressionist Epoch," December 12, 1974–February 10, 1975, not in catalogue.If you’re a longtime gardener, you know that gardening doesn’t start in the garden. It starts on paper. Temperature: Artichokes do not like excessive heat, which can cause tough bitter chokes or premature flowering. Artichokes’ ideal growing temperature is between 60 and 80 degrees F. Gardeners in hot climates should plant artichokes in a location that receives afternoon shade, or offer protection via shade cloth if needed. Artichokes are fairly easy to grow, and they’re loaded with health benefits. Making artichokes a part of your weekly meal plan supports digestive, liver, and cardiac health.

Of course, that makes the process of growing artichokes from seeds all the more rewarding. Especially if you harvest the seeds yourself! Karin Sagner-Düchting. Claude Monet, 1840–1926: Ein Fest für die Augen. Cologne, 1990, p. 109, ill. p. 110 (color). Storage & organisation Furniture Textiles Kitchenware & tableware Kitchens Lighting Decoration Rugs, mats & flooring Beds & mattresses Baby & children Smart home Bathroom products Laundry & cleaning Plants & plant pots Home electronics Home improvement Outdoor living Food & beverages Christmas Shop Shop by roomFrances Weitzenhoffer. "The Earliest American Collectors of Monet." Aspects of Monet. Ed. John Rewald and Frances Weitzenhoffer. New York, 1984, pp. 82–83.