This heirloom boats thick fleshy leaves and plump hearts, perfect for eating with ranch dressing. This was one of my favorite meals as a child -- I still love taking apart the artichoke to eat the base of one leaf at a time, slowly making my way to the heart. Last summer my friends and I had a lunch of homegrown artichokes and it is still one of my favorite meals of the year! Artichokes are one of the best foods to celebrate late summer and early fall. 8 heirloom seeds. Plant directly outside in spring or start early indoors and transplant. Needs hot soil for best germination. In hot climates, plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, 12 inches apart. Botanical name: Brassica oleracea.