Artichoke - Globe

Scientific name: Cynara scolymus, C. cardunculus

Member photos

Type:: perennial
USDA hardiness zones:: 6-9

Originating in the Mediterranean, these plants were cultivated throughout the Roman Empire and are prized in cuisines as far north as England where they were recorded in King Henry VIII's garden in 1530; they arrived in the U.S. during the French settlement of Louisiana.

While grown for its edible leaves, buds and hearts, this cool season perennial is also a beautiful addition to flower gardens both for its course foliage and lovely flower. Globe artichokes are perennial, thistle-like plants with edible flower buds. The flower buds are found at the terminal and lateral of the s... more »

Difficult

For crop uniformity Artichokes are best propagated vegetatively by root division (chunks of root with some basal stem attached), but they can be seed sown indoors 8 to 12 weeks before your last frost and then moved to a cold frame for hardening off. Seed propagated plants may have varying degrees of similarity to parent and exhibit much diversity in appearance from one another. Divisions may be planted as soon as danger of frost is over and soil temps have reached about 60F (15.5C) in rows 2.5 to 3 feet (75 - 90 cm) apart leaving 2 - 3 feet (60 - 90 cm) between plants. Flowers don't usually appear until the second year but can be encouraged by keeping starts at 35F to 50F (2C to 10C) for 10 days prior to planting. Fertilize with a low nitrogen fertilizer, high in phosphorous and potassium. In colder regions, prepare for winter by cutting back to 12 inches (30 cm), mound with leaves or mulch, cover with a box and then mound more leaves over that. Alternatively, roots can be dug up and overwintered in cold storage.