Description

Thema Early Purple Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus), known in Italian as Carciofo Thema Violetto Precoce, is a productive Mediterranean variety prized for its elongated, deep violet flower buds with subtle green shades. Its tender, fleshy bracts have small spines at their tips, while the plant produces attractive silvery-green foliage and vigorous upright growth.

With its delicate, slightly sweet flavour and tender hearts, Thema Artichoke is perfect for grilling, roasting, steaming, stuffing and traditional Mediterranean dishes. Its early production and extended harvesting season make it an excellent choice for home vegetable gardens in Malta.

🌱 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. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. 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 autumn and winter conditions are favourable for growth, while excessive heat can affect bud quality.

📏 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 when firm, compact and tightly closed, before the flowers begin to open. Handle carefully, as the bracts have small spines. Established plants can produce several heads throughout the harvesting season.

🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)

Best planting season: September to November, allowing plants to establish during Malta’s mild autumn weather. Late winter planting is also possible.

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

Companion plants: Lettuce, peas and onions, provided sufficient space is maintained around the plants.

Common issue: Aphids and grey mould can affect developing buds, particularly during humid weather. Maintain good air circulation, avoid wetting the foliage and inspect plants regularly.

📦 Product Information

Variety: Thema Violetto Precoce (Thema Early Purple 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, typically October to April under favourable Mediterranean conditions

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

Special Characteristics: Early-producing Mediterranean artichoke with elongated violet heads, tender fleshy bracts, small spines, delicate flavour and an extended harvesting season.

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.