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 59°F and 64°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 63 - 79 inches 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 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

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