The Gros Vert de Laon artichoke is a hardy , cold-resistant variety that produces fruit with large, rounded heads , sometimes called “cat heads” .
Its base is fleshy and wide .
If you want to eat it raw , we recommend harvesting it very young (smaller than the size of a fist).
Larger, it can be cooked to be eaten stuffed , in salads , but also in lasagnas , gratins , puff pastries , terrines , etc.

Successful Artichoke Sowing

Sowing in pots in February/March . Transplant 2 months after sowing, in a sunny position in healthy, fresh, deep and humus-rich soil, 80 cm in the row and 1 m between rows .

Planting in the Vegetable Garden

Take into account its rapid growth by leaving it at least 80 cm in all directions to flourish. We recommend planting it at the back of the flowerbed . The flowers , if left, will attract pollinators .

Artichoke Culture

Artichokes are quite sensitive to the cold and do not tolerate excess water. We recommend mulching them before winter. You can cut the main leaves back by half during the winter.
The artichoke grows well with lettuce , broad beans , peas , dwarf beans , onions , radishes and cabbage .