(Cynara Scolymus)
THIS IS AN OLD STANDARD VARIETY THAT CAN BE GROWN AS AN ANNUAL OR PERENNIAL. 
PLANTS GROW UP TO 6 FEET TALL WITH SILVER-GREEN LEAVES. 
EDIBLE FLOWER BUDS (CHOKES) ARE MADE UP OF THICK FLESHY SCALES AND SOLID CENTERS (HEARTS).
CHOKES ARE MEDIUM GREEN IN COLOR WITH A SLIGHT PURPLE TINGE NEAR THE BASE AND ARE 3 TO 4 INCHES IN DIAMETER AT FRESH MARKET. 
MOST THORNS HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED. 
THERE IS SOME VARIABILITY IN CHOKE TYPE AND MATURITY.

GERMINATION GUIDE: SOWING TIMES VARY DEPENDING ON YOUR LOCAL CLIMATE. DIRECT SOW SEEDS 6MM DEEP WITH A PLANT SPACING OF 150-200CM AND A ROW SPACING OF 150-200CM. FROST HARDY. GERMINATION IN 15-25 DAYS. 290-400 DAYS TO MATURITY.