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
  • Ready to harvest
  • Globe artichokes

Superthistles growing to 1.2 - 1.3 m high with a spread of 1.2 x 1.2 m.

Very pretty, can be part of a herbacious border.

Harvest from second year. Artichokes grow particularly well in sandy soil. Can be propagated by suckers or offsets. In temperate/warm areas a well fertilised plant will live for about five years and throw up suckers each year. Artichokes aren't hardy enough to overwinter in areas with very cold winters. In cold areas choose a hardy variety from a local supplier and grow it as an annual, with 10 days' exposure to cool daytime temperatures during spring. Transplant only when all danger of frost is past in your area. Aphids and earwigs can be a nuisance.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Artichokes (Globe)

Pick buds before scales develop brown tips .
If you have lots of small buds, they can be fried in olive oil and eaten whole.
Rinse in plenty of cold water to remove earwigs or other insects.

Your comments and tips

22 Oct 11, Joe Agostinacchio (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I planted artichokes for the first time this summer. I live on Long Island, N.Y., how do I protect the plants from the coming winter? Do I trim back the leaves that are there now, or let them stay?
27 Jan 17, Romel Madray (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Try mulching them with grass on top. I would suggest cutting them back and muchine them with saw dust or grass. Regards
17 Jan 18, Helen (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I live on a sand ridge on the east coast, zone 10a. Can I grow artichokes/horseradish in my sand? Will I have any better luck in pots?
09 Mar 19, Carol Ball (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Hi I am very new to vegetable growing and want to try companion planting for my vegetables. However, I don't know what an acceptable distance is for companion planting. I do not have a large plot for me veg, any advice please?
26 Nov 19, Grace Walker (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Hello, I am new to this. I would like to experiment with planting artichokes. I do not know what kind of soil I have...and how to make it friendly for this vegetable. Do you have suggestion? Do you know of a great online resources on this? Thanks!
28 Oct 20, Karen Jean (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Can I grow artichoke seed green globe & Purple of Romagna in a plant pot? I have a 14” pot or should I go larger? How many seeds should I plant in one?
28 Oct 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Plant Spacing- 160-200cm, 5-7 feet. That is between each plant.
21 Apr 24, SoCal BYGarden (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Go BIG. A 2'x2' planter is likely the smallest you can do the plant will hide the planter when in full bloom. Cut it down when is started to go brown or comes back every year.
12 Dec 20, John Chrystal (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I had 2 of 3 over winter last year with no preparation and enjoyed 3 dozen tennis ball sized bulbs. For this year I started 2 dozen more, half green globe and half purple. 18 survived they went into the ground (French Mound beds) in late July. Now I’m wondering should I feed them and/or mulch them and if so, with what?
14 Dec 20, (USA - Zone 3a climate)
If leaves are rich green colour then they have enough fert, if yellow then apply some general fert. Mulch with anything, have it loose so water can go through it. Only put it on about50-70mm thick.
Showing 1 - 10 of 27 comments

Hi I am very new to vegetable growing and want to try companion planting for my vegetables. However, I don't know what an acceptable distance is for companion planting. I do not have a large plot for me veg, any advice please?

- Carol Ball

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