Growing Artichokes (Globe)

Cynara scolymus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Artichokes (Globe) in USA - Zone 7a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

21 Apr 24, SoCal BYGarden (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I chop mine 2"- 3" above the base after they start turning brown late summer. They come back staring in Oct-Nov. Harvest starting February, last crop in May. Avoid year was pathetic just a few. 3rd year on I started giving them away because I had plenty.
19 Jan 23, Darla Herring (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Hi there, We have chaotic weather here in Amarillo, Tx. 4 degrees one night in winter, 60 the next day. Sometimes we get snow, usually we don't. Some winters seem like spring/summer, some are freezing. Then occasionally we get a serious freeze in April and a storm that blows everybody's metal roof off. I planted an imperial star or green globe artichoke 8 years ago - it has nice-looking pink spiky looking flowers. I can't get rid of it and I can't make it produce any more than 2.5" artichokes that are hard and inedible. We get to 108 occasionally in the summer. Why are artichokes listed as ok for zone 7A? Nobody I know can grow them here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
11 Jan 23, Sarah Randall (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Will artichoke grow in zon÷ 10a 9b Southwest Florida? Is Feb good fur planting them?
21 Apr 24, SoCal BYGarden (USA - Zone 10b climate)
They grew great in Zone 10b. I put 2 in a 2"x3' planner with own bottom. The first year was rough for the plants I thought they were not going to make it. The second year they did OK (5-7) artichokes between both plants. The third year one of the plants did not come back ( they dry up between seasons) but the other plant is doing great. Over 15 globes from 1 plant.
10 Apr 21, Pam (USA - Zone 5b climate)
I love this site and all the very useful information you share!
09 Feb 21, Joseph Thomas (USA - Zone 9a climate)
What is the best artichoke species for Tucson Arizona zone 9?
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.
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?
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.
Showing 11 - 20 of 26 comments

I live in zone 9a. I'm in the desert. We have a lot of wind, 5 mph -- 20mph. We have worst wind in spring that occasionally blows 35mph! Our winters are cool and can dip to 32 one or two nights. We have early springs. I bought 2 5" poted artichokes plants in spring. I placed them where they would be protected from cool nights and wind. They have not grown much. The nights are now in the warmer so I stopped covering. The leaves are yellow and dried.

- Janet

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.