Heirloom. This improved artichoke is such a pretty plant that it is also sold as an ornamental. Bold, deeply lobed silvery-green leaves grow in a giant rosette that can get 4 feet tall. The fleshy flower buds 2 to 5 inches in diameter borne on a tall stem from the center of the plant are the edible portion.

Large, round-headed purple chokes, tender and tasty, perfect for warm season areas, or grow with shelter. So popular with chefs, and is a sure seller at the finer markets. We are proud to introduce this regional Italian favorite.

This French heirloom is noted for its fine flavor and pretty purple buds that are lovely on the big, ornamental plants, especially when the buds open. Rare outside Europe.

An old traditional heirloom, this gourmet variety is highly esteemed in Europe for its delicious stems with rose-colored buds that can be blanched white. Italian Seed.

Dark purple spears so tender, they can be enjoyed raw! Pacific Purple's quality and yields outperform most green varieties, with wider, stringless spears that are higher in sugars and anthocyanins. Mound up the soil around the plants to harvest the sweetest white asparagus. The almost iridescent purple color fades when cooked, so we recommend light steaming or raw use to retain its coloration.

A rare cardoon from Italy, its broad white stalks are eaten fried, sauteed, pickled and in soups. Italians eat it raw, dipped in olive oil. The root is also edible, tasty, and can be used like parsnips. The plant is similar in culture and appearance to artichokes. Cardoons have been popular in Europe since ancient Rome. Beautiful ornamental plants.

This exciting heirloom Cardoon was developed in Algeria, hence the name. It has big, edible and ornamental stalks that are blushed in red, which is so striking against the blue-green leaves. The flowers are also beautiful and can be cooked before the buds open, like a small artichoke. One of the prettiest historic varieties.