Growing Artichokes (Globe)

Cynara scolymus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Artichokes (Globe) in Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer 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
  • 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Canada | for all countries
24 Jul 21, Angela Muto (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I live in Toronto Ontario can my artichoke plant survive ontario winter
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Jul 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It will probably die down in the frost, but if you leave one head to go to seed and save some, you can start new plants in the Spring.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 May 20, Rossana Parker (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Another question. Can I grow globe artichokes in a big pot and again, does it need full sun? Thank you.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 May 21, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7a Mild Temperate climate)
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
See comments for all plants

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?

- John Chrystal

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.