Flower Library
Artichoke
Cynara · Asteraceae
An artichoke in the vase is a statement: fist-sized, scaly buds on arm-thick stems that instantly give any arrangement sculptural power. Allowed to bloom, the bud opens into a glowing violet thistle flower reminiscent of an oversized cornflower. For us it is the prime example of how close the vegetable garden and grand floristry really are.
- Season
- July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 10–14 days
- Latin name
- Cynara
- Colors
- Grey-green (bud), Violet (in bloom), Silver-grey (foliage)
Botanically the artichoke is a cultivated giant thistle: Cynara cardunculus in its bred form Scolymus. What lands on the plate as a delicacy is the unopened flower bud, and exactly this stage is cut for floristry too, along with opened violet heads and the silver-grey, deeply cut foliage of the related cardoon.
In floral work the artichoke is a soloist for large formats: in floor vases, on reception tables and in shop windows, three stems alone read like an installation. Its grey-green colouring pairs beautifully with silver foliage, eucalyptus and hydrangeas, and in an exotic context with protea.
In vessel arrangements and autumn wreaths, smaller buds play the supporting parts, while the opened violet heads count as a colour miracle: the dense, silky floral hair glows more intensely than almost any other violet in the late-summer range.
The vase life is remarkable: closed buds easily stand two weeks in the vase, and afterwards the heads dry superbly. Dried artichokes are a classic of dried floristry and last for years in wreaths and bowls.
Useful to know: the heavy heads demand a stable vessel and a strong fresh cut on the woody stems. And even though the artichoke is edible, cut stock does not belong in the kitchen, as it is not produced as food.
Is Artichoke toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
As a vegetable plant it is non-toxic to cats, dogs and people. Cut stock is still not a foodstuff, and the spine-tipped scales can cause mechanical discomfort if large pieces are swallowed.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Give the thick stems a long, angled cut with a sharp knife.
- 02Choose a heavy, stable vase, as the heads are top-heavy.
- 03Provide plenty of fresh water and top up daily.
- 04Change the water every two to three days and re-cut the stems.
- 05Keep cool so the scales stay firm and the colour fresh.
- 06To dry, let the heads dry hanging or standing in an airy spot.
Frequently asked
- How long does an artichoke last in the vase?
- Closed buds last ten to fourteen days, longer than most blooms. Opened violet heads are a little shorter-lived, but like the buds they can be dried afterwards.
- Is an artichoke in an arrangement toxic to pets?
- No, the artichoke is familiar as a vegetable and is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and people. The tough, spine-tipped scales usually deter animals anyway; at most, large swallowed pieces could cause mechanical discomfort in the stomach.
- Can you eat the artichoke from the arrangement?
- Please do not. Cut stock is produced as an ornamental and may be treated with plant protection products that would not be permitted in vegetable growing. For the kitchen, buy artichokes at the greengrocer; in the vase it is pure sculpture.
- Will the artichoke still open in the vase?
- Firmly closed buds usually no longer open fully in the vase; they lack the power of the mother plant. If you want the violet bloom, buy heads that are already cracking open, and the floral hair will unfold within a few days.