15+Green Globe Artichoke Seeds(Cynara scolymus) Artichoke Thistle Cardoon Vegetable USA Green Globe Artichoke is an old standard variety that can be grown as a perennial in warmer climates. Plants grow up to 6 feet tall with silver-green leaves. Edible flower buds (chokes) grow to 3 or 4 inches, are green in color, and are made up of thick fleshy scales and solid centers (hearts). Can be harvested in second season. Artichokes are often eaten young, tender and raw, sliced into salads. Or when they are the size of a walnut, they are briefly fried in olive oil. Then a little water goes in and they cook until just tender. These can be marinated, used in pasta sauces or enjoyed whole. When artichokes are picked young, the stems are not hard or pithy and it’s possible to snap rather than cut them off the plant. Even the stems can be eaten by peeling off the stringy outsides and eating the soft, crisp insides with salt, like you might celery. It’s bitter and nutty.