Variety traits

Artichoke Inflorescence

Cynara cardunculus L.

The artichoke inflorescence is an unopened flower head, which serves as the primary economically valuable organ of the plant. Its quality is determined by shape, color, morphometric parameters, and the degree of tissue lignification.

In the reference 59 varieties crop Cardoon, where this is mentioned in the description.

During the evaluation and variety testing of artichokes, the morphological characteristics of the heads are recorded, including their shape (ranging from globose to conical), color, and presence of spines, which influences suitability for mechanized harvesting. Metric assessment includes measuring the diameter and mass of the inflorescence: large specimens reach 15–20 cm in diameter and are intended for the fresh market, whereas smaller heads under 7–10 cm are more commonly directed toward processing.

Phenological monitoring of inflorescence status includes the budding phase, which corresponds to technical maturity, and mass flowering. To manage product quality, agrotechnical regulation of the number of inflorescences per stem is applied, allowing for the control of their mass and size. Harvesting times are strictly limited to the period before the inflorescence opens, as subsequent flowering leads to tissue coarsening and loss of marketability.

General information about the subject — on the page Inflorescence.

Sources8

Varieties of Cardoon mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.