Description

Palermo Spiny Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), known in Italian as Carciofo Spinoso di Palermo, is a traditional Sicilian artichoke variety prized for its distinctive oval-shaped flower buds, green-purple colouring and characteristic pointed spines. This vigorous perennial produces large, attractive silvery-green leaves and medium-sized artichokes with tender, flavourful hearts.

Popular in Sicilian and Mediterranean cuisine, Palermo Spiny Artichokes are perfect for grilling, stuffing, roasting, frying and preserving in olive oil or vinegar. Their rich flavour and productive growth make them an excellent addition to home vegetable gardens, particularly in Malta’s Mediterranean climate.

🌱 Growing Instructions

☀️ Sunlight: Requires full sun, ideally 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Thrives in Malta’s sunny vegetable gardens.

💧 Watering: Water deeply and regularly during active growth and bud development. Established plants tolerate some drought, but consistent watering encourages larger, tender artichokes. Reduce watering during summer dormancy.

🌱 Soil: Plant in deep, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.

🌡️ Temperature: Grows best between 15°C–25°C. Malta’s mild winters provide favourable growing conditions, while intense summer heat may cause plants to enter dormancy.

📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 100 cm between plants to accommodate their large foliage and spreading growth.

🌾 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth, following product instructions. Add compost in autumn to maintain soil fertility.

✂️ Harvesting: Harvest artichoke buds while firm, compact and tightly closed, before the flowers begin to open. Use gloves when handling the sharp spines. Established plants can produce several artichokes throughout the harvesting season.

🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)

Best planting season: September to November, allowing plants to establish during Malta’s mild autumn weather. Earlier planting is possible with careful watering.

Position: Sunny vegetable gardens or raised beds with deep, fertile soil, good drainage and plenty of growing space.

Companion plants: Lettuce, peas, onions and other low-growing vegetables, provided sufficient space is maintained.

Common issue: Aphids may attack developing buds and tender shoots. Inspect plants regularly and maintain good air circulation. Yellowing or drying foliage during summer may indicate natural dormancy rather than disease.

📦 Product Information

Variety: Spinoso di Palermo (Palermo Spiny Artichoke)

Botanical Name: Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

Family: Asteraceae

Plant Type: Perennial Vegetable Plant

Growth Habit: Large, Upright and Clump-Forming

Harvest Season: Late Autumn to Spring, generally November to April

Flowering Season: Spring to Summer, if buds are left unharvested

Special Characteristics: Traditional Sicilian variety producing medium-sized, oval green-purple artichokes with characteristic spines, tender edible hearts and excellent suitability for Mediterranean cultivation.

Important Information

Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.

The price is per one plant.