Last updated on May 20th, 2023 at 04:36 pm

The artichoke is a perennial plant in the thistle group of the daisy family. 

Also known as Globe artichoke, French artichoke, or Greek artichoke, it is cultivated for its edible buds. The artichoke is domesticated from the wild plant cardoon, native to the Mediterranean. Its origin dates back to about 500 BC.

Having the scientific name Cynara Scolymus, the artichoke derives its common name from the northern Italian word articiocco. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes thistles, sunflowers, and dandelions.

The artichoke grows up to a height of 1.4 to 2m (4 ft 7 into 6 ft 7 in), covering an area of about 6 ft (182.88 cm) in diameter. It has silvery, green leaves, deeply lobed and arched. The flower head consists of many small budding flowers surrounded by bracts on an edible base. 

The artichoke becomes inedible once it blooms. When the buds mature, they burst open, and the leaves splay outward. The blossoms are a beautiful lavender-blue in hue. The thistle-like blooms spread across 6 inches (15.24 cm) in diameter.

The artichoke flower makes a lovely addition to any garden if allowed to bloom. It lends an intriguing color and texture to bouquets and flower arrangements. 

The thistle retains its beauty for months, even after drying out. The flower has a light, lingering fragrance.

What does the Artichoke flower symbolize?

The artichoke flower’s meaning and symbolism represent hope and prosperity. This flower symbolizes peace in many countries, such as Libya, Egypt, and Somalia.

In Ancient Greece and Rome, it was considered an aphrodisiac. In ancient Egyptian times, the flower was seen in writings as a symbol of fertility and sacrifice. The artichoke flower’s meaning and symbolism have an interesting story attached to them. 

In Greek legend, artichoke is believed to originate owing to God Zeus himself. It is said that there lived a woman named Cynara. Once, while visiting his brother Poseidon, Zeus spotted her bathing on the ocean’s shores. Cynara did not seem at all bothered meeting the king of all gods. It intrigued and impressed Zeus very much. He turned her into an immortal goddess and took her to live on Mount Olympus. Cynara willingly went to live with Zeus, but soon, she became homesick. When she could not bear to live away from her home and family anymore, she snuck off to visit them.

The act enraged Zeus, who perceived it as a betrayal. He was self-assured; living eternally on Mount Olympus with him was all she needed. In his anger, he struck her down from the mountain. It is said that when she hit the ground, Cynara turned into an artichoke. The plant owes its scientific name to this legend. This legend also gave it the symbolism of an aphrodisiac.

The artichoke flower’s meaning and symbolism can be interpreted in many ways. It has a meaty heart in the center protected by layers of strong leaves. To get to the core’s soft, delicious flesh, layers, and protective scales must be removed. This can be characterized as resilient, strong, and defiant.

All in all, the artichoke flowers symbolic meanings are:

  • hope
  • prosperity
  • future success
  • peace
  • wealth

Meaning of the Artichoke flower color

Purple color

The artichoke flower’s meaning and symbolism get a much greater meaning from its color purple.

The purple color of the artichoke flower represents uniqueness, luxury, peace, and harmony.

The general artichoke flower’s meaning and symbolism are perfectly complemented by its color.

Interesting facts about the Artichoke flower

  • There are two primary types of artichokes: globe and elongated.
  • Artichokes are some of the oldest known medicinal plants.
  • Artichokes are antioxidant-rich vegetables.
  • Artichokes have a very high fiber content. One artichoke has more fiber than an oat bran muffin or a cup of lima beans.
  • They have been used as liver tonic throughout history.
  • Artichokes lower cholesterol when ingested on a regular basis.
  • They are a natural electrolyte due to high potassium and magnesium.
  • Artichokes are non-toxic. They are overall safe to consume.
  • People allergic to marigolds, ragweed, daisies, and chrysanthemums may also have an allergic reaction to artichokes.
  • They can be a choking hazard.
  • Artichoke flowers can be fresh or dried in floral arrangements and decorations.
  • The artichoke flowers open to intriguing purple petals when left unpicked.
  • In 1947, Marilyn Monroe was crowned the first honorary Artichoke Queen for Castroville, California.
  • In 2013, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom declared the artichoke as California’s official state vegetable.
  • California grows nearly one hundred percent of artichokes for commercial purposes.

How to grow Artichoke flowers

It is grown as a perennial plant in warmer climates and as an annual plant in cooler regions. It is planted in seed form in late summer when grown as a perennial. Sometimes, it is also planted as a young plant in mid-autumn. As an annual, it is planted in spring.

  1. Before the winter ends, the seeds need to be planted in containers with potting mix.
  2. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. 
  3. The seeds germinate at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 23 degrees Celsius). 
  4. Artichokes should be transplanted 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost date of the particular area, spaced 3 to 5 ft (91.44 to 152.4 cm) apart. 
  5. They require watering every week. 
  6. Applying mulch is a must, but it should not touch the stems of the plants.
  7. During the artichokes’ active growing period, fertilizer must be applied every 4 weeks.

How to care for Artichoke flowers

  1. Water the artichokes with constant watering, preferably drip irrigation.
  2. They are heavy feeders, so you must provide the flowers with high fertilizers rich in potassium and phosphorus.
  3. Avoid too little or too much moisture in the soil, as it will weaken the stems of the artichokes.

Best time to gift Artichoke flowers

The artichoke flowers make it a perfect gift when you want to make a unique statement. It is a great addition to bridal bouquets lending a rustic texture to the arrangements. 

Artichoke flowers are perfect as gifts when you want to convey the message to work hard and realize one’s dreams. 

The artichoke flower is a sight to behold, with its almost shimmering lavender-blue center. The flowers make a striking spectacle when left to bloom on the plants.

Conclusion

Artichoke, as food and flower, is equally breathtaking, and a fully bloomed purple-colored artichoke flower is simply fascinating.

Artichoke is an excellent choice whether you want to eat the flavorful bud or use the flower as a decoration or gift.

Allow this periwinkle beauty to be a part of your garden without more ado.
If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!