Artichoke

Plant Overview

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is listed in the Asteraceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.

Plant ID

PLT-0050

Family

Asteraceae

Plant type

Vegetable

Life cycle

Perennial

Alternate names

Globe artichoke

Growth habit

Large herbaceous perennial producing flower stalks with edible unopened buds; unharvested buds open into purple flowers

Mature height

Commonly 3-6 feet, depending on variety and growing conditions

Mature spread

Commonly 2-4 feet across; large established plants can spread up to 6 feet, so allow room for the selected variety

Difficulty

Moderate

Growing Conditions

Artichoke is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as water regularly during active growth, especially while flower buds develop. avoid saturated soil around the crown because artichokes are susceptible to root rot. The database soil reference is Deep, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; good drainage around the crown is essential. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 7-11.

Hardiness zones

7-11

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Deep, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; good drainage around the crown is essential

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water needs

Water regularly during active growth, especially while flower buds develop. Avoid saturated soil around the crown because artichokes are susceptible to root rot

Plant spacing

Allow about 2 feet between plants in annual production and about 4 feet for perennial crown plantings; avoid crowding

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is Usually about 8-12 days at suitable temperatures; timing varies with seed quality and conditions and the seed depth is Sow about 1/4 inch deep in individual containers or seed trays. Maturity guidance: First harvest depends on variety, planting season, and sufficient chilling to induce buds; plants may not flower in their first season. Check the selected variety timing and whether days are counted from transplanting. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Usually about 8-12 days at suitable temperatures; timing varies with seed quality and conditions

Germination temperature

Germinate at about 70-80 F; after emergence, grow seedlings cooler, around 60-70 F during the day and 50-60 F at night

Seed depth

Sow about 1/4 inch deep in individual containers or seed trays

Sowing method

Start seeds in individual containers for transplanting, or direct sow where the growing season permits; perennial beds can also be established from shoots or crown divisions

Start indoors

For seed-grown transplants in frost-prone areas, start indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last hard frost

Transplanting

Set out seed-grown plants when they have 3-4 true leaves; choose planting dates suited to the local climate and variety

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

First harvest depends on variety, planting season, and sufficient chilling to induce buds; plants may not flower in their first season. Check the selected variety timing and whether days are counted from transplanting

Harvest

Cut flower buds while still tight, before the bracts spread open. Harvest the main central bud first, followed by smaller side buds as they mature; overmature buds become woody

Propagation

Grow from seed, rooted shoots, or crown divisions; perennial plantings are commonly established from crown divisions

Seed saving

Leave selected buds unharvested so flowers can open, be pollinated, and mature seed. For variety maintenance, grow about 20 plants and separate flowering varieties by about 250 metres (820 feet). Collect heads when the bracts turn brown, often about two months after pollination; protect mature heads from wet weather. Dry thoroughly, then break apart carefully to release and clean the seeds. Wear gloves when handling sharp, dry heads.

Pollination

Insect-pollinated with self-fertile flowers; pollination is needed for seed production, not for harvesting unopened edible buds

Garden Information

Common pests

Aphids and artichoke plume moth larvae can damage plants; pest pressure varies by region

Common diseases

Root and crown rots are a concern in saturated soil; virus diseases can reduce plant vigor and yield

Uses

Unopened flower buds harvested as a vegetable; unharvested purple blooms used for ornamental display and flower arrangements