Growing Artichokes (Globe)

Cynara scolymus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Artichokes (Globe) in Australia - sub-tropical 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

15 Aug 23, Roz McWilliam (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would like to grow globe artichokes in Townsville (dry tropics). Is this possible please and if yes what’s the best way? Cheers
06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Australia - tropical climate)
Set your climate zone to Tropical and read the notes about growing it.
13 Jan 23, Carolyn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live in Brisbane and I have not had success in growing Globe Artichokes in the subtropical climate. Has anyone in SEQ managed to successfully grow them? What are your tips?
15 Mar 23, Ei (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Carolyn, I'm curious what happens when you try to grow Globe Artichokes? How do they fail? Is it too humid for them?
02 Aug 22, Claudia De Maria -Gladstone (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Dear Sirs, I live in Gladstone and now for 2 years I was not able to buy fresh artichokes as Wollworth and Coles do not cater for them. I am Italian and I LOOOOOOVE artichokes which in Sydney I used to buy at all Italian greengrocers, but here is just a dream which is not coming true!!! Is it possible to have some artichokes here in this town?? I will buy a lot as I can also preserve them quite well...but I need them fresh!!! Is anybody answering me?? Cheers. Claudia De Maria
11 Aug 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you have a good green grocerier in Gladstone ask him/her.
02 Jul 22, Romina Spyrou (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I am south of Sydney and I was wondering what do you mean by Bring on in pots pls? I have a bit of success a few years ago then the rain came and wiped out my vegetable garden so will try again
26 Jun 21, Heidi (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have some globe artichoke seeds and have found mixed information about when to sow seeds in Brisbane, Australia (approx US 9b). Can anyone in similar zones share experience?
29 Jun 21, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You are in artichokes - Brisbane is subtropical - see www.gardenate.com/plant/Artichokes (Globe)?zone=3
26 Sep 19, Janelle O'Shannessy (Australia - tropical climate)
Can you please advise if there is any type of artichoke that will grow in the tropics at all...Thank you
Showing 1 - 10 of 67 comments

Ring up some seed selling company like Diggers Club and ask them. It does say plant in mid autumn into winter.

- Anon

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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.
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