26/11/2024
🌸 A Bloom Worth the Wait: My First Artichoke Flower! 🌸
Today, I’m celebrating a small but exciting milestone in my garden—my first artichoke plant has been allowed to flower! Usually, these buds would end up in my kitchen, starring in a creamy pasta dish, but this time I decided to let nature take its course. And wow, what a stunner!
For those who may not know, the artichoke (🌿 Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus 🌿) is a perennial thistle. Its edible buds are harvested before they bloom and are beloved for their tender hearts and nutty, slightly sweet flavour. They’re amazing in pasta, risotto, and even as a simple steamed side dish dipped in garlic butter or aioli.
When allowed to flower, the bud transforms into a striking, purple-blue bloom that not only feeds your eyes but also pollinates your garden, attracting bees and other beneficial insects.
Growing Tips:
• Artichokes thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter.
• They love full sun and regular watering but don’t like soggy roots.
• They can grow as perennials in mild climates (hello, Auckland!), producing for 4-5 years.
If you’ve never grown artichokes before, I encourage you to give it a try. They’re not just delicious; they’re a showstopper in the garden, too!
🍝 Now, back to dreaming about my artichoke-spinach pasta… But for now, I’ll enjoy this floral beauty.
What’s your favourite way to cook artichokes? Share your recipes below! 💜