The artichoke is neither a fruit nor a vegetable. It is a flowering bud of a thistle-like plant. 
Artichoke is native to the Mediterranean area but most US production occurs near Castroville, California. It likes cooler temperatures which triggers the artichokes to produce meatier leaves and larger hearts (the fleshy edible center). The peak of artichoke production is from March through mid-May.
Artichokes can be grown in the High Plains Garden. It is best to start the seedlings indoors in early March and then transplant outside into fertile soil and in full sun around the end of May. Give it some room to grow, as each plant will eventually take up at least 4 square feet. Regular fertilization is helpful.
The Botanic Garden is a division of the City of Cheyenne Parks and Recreation Department.
This is the official web site of the Friends of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to further the goals of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens.
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