Growing Artichokes (Globe)

Cynara scolymus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S                    
      T                
      P                

(Best months for growing Artichokes (Globe) in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 15°C and 18°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 160 - 200 cm apart
  • Harvest in 42-57 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Needs a lot of space. Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

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23 Oct 09, Dominique (Australia - tropical climate)
Has anyone got any info on growing artichokes in North Queensland. I got loamy sand, 150 metres from the beach.
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11 Oct 09, sarah (Australia - temperate climate)
our first harvest is ready, they are small but plentiful, and this is there first year. We too have clay soil, but it is also rocky, in full sun and somehow this combination seems to make the plant happy. I do fertilise a regularly with horse and chicken manure.
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08 Oct 09, merry (Australia - temperate climate)
I only planted my artichokes this year and I have a central artichoke on some - should I pick and eat these? how do I know when to pick them? (they are only small - will they get bigger? thanks
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07 Oct 09, matt (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What plant space and row space is required for this plant? cheers
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25 Sep 09, susie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
have tried to grow in clay soil..failed...do you think I should try again? could I adjust the soil?
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08 Oct 11, Margaret (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My artichokes grow well in heavy black clay soil. I am an hour inland from Noosa. My plants are lightly mulched. To fruit they need water and preferably rain water. I suggest giving it another go and plant in another spot. I was told fennel wouldn't grow in my area and it is growing well. I often have failures but try again in another spot. I think if you have scotch thistles in your area definitely try again. Happy gardening.
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16 Jun 09, Jims Garden Adventure (Australia - temperate climate)
Globe artichokes were a real winner for us in our sandy Perth soil. We had to cut them down to make them fruit, hoping for as good this year. Fantastic "thistle flowers" on one or two that we left.
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Showing 121 - 127 of 127 comments
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Artichokes are considered very deep rooted - with their tap root extending beyond 36" and generally running around 5' deep. Artichokes tend to be used to quickly (3-4 months) hold soil erosion at the side of a hill - just toss the seeds - this can be done as a temporary measure until perennials take hold or other measures are taken. My point is; they are really meant for areas where their tap roots can run deep. Mind you, I know a lot of veggies that people grow in containers that are really not suited to containers. If you tried to grow the artichoke in a container, expect stunted growth..... somehow it just seems cruel. Try searching the web for "vegetable root depth chart" -- and look at the vegetables that have shallow roots; they are most likely going to be the vegetables that do best in containers. Also in the medium rooted vegetables SOMETIMES their is a variety that is suitable for containers - for example TomatoFest (online seeds) has a project called "The Dwarf Tomato Project" where they have chosen tomatoes specifically for containers. If your buying seeds - most will tell you if they are suitable for containers.

- Celeste Archer

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