How to Grow Artichoke

Intermediate

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

A striking perennial thistle grown for its large edible flower buds. Plants form dramatic silvery-green rosettes up to 1.5 m tall. Harvest buds before they open. Perennial in zones 7–10; grown as an annual in colder climates with vernalization. Needs rich soil, consistent moisture, and full sun.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
85–100 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
91 cm / 36"
Sun
8+ hours
Water
1.5" / 38 mm
Fertilization
heavy feeder

Growing Notes

Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Vernalize seedlings at 10 °C for 10 days to induce budding in the first year. Transplant after last frost into rich, well-drained soil. Mulch heavily. In cold climates, cut back and mulch deeply in fall for overwintering. Harvest central bud first, then side buds.

Varieties & Cultivars

5 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Bred for annual production

(1)
Imperial Star
85–95 days Open-Pollinated

medium-large globe; thornless; green with slight purple blush; excellent for zone 6 and cooler

Height
39–51" (100–130 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
10.6 oz (300 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
6–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
5 years

Compact plant

(1)
Marina
80–100 days Open-Pollinated

good for home gardens; reliable producer; good flavour

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.6 oz (18 g)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
4–9
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
5 years

Italian heirloom with striking deep purple buds

(1)
Violetto di Romagna
90–100 days Open-Pollinated

rich nutty flavour; slightly smaller than Green Globe; very ornamental; perennial in zones 7–10

Height
39–55" (100–140 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
9.9 oz (280 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
7–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
5 years

Late-maturing type

(1)
Imperial Green Globe
85–110 days Open-Pollinated

good storage; heavy producer; good for commercial growing

Height
24–36" (61–91 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.8 oz (22 g)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
4–9
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
5 years

The classic globe artichoke

(1)
Green Globe
85–100 days Open-Pollinated

reliable producer; perennial in zones 7–10; the most widely grown commercial variety

Height
47–59" (120–150 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
12.0 oz (340 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
7–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
5 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside artichoke, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Spinach : Spinach fills space beneath tall artichoke plants in cool weather
Beans : Beans fix nitrogen that artichokes appreciate as heavy feeders
Garlic : Garlic deters aphids that commonly attack artichoke buds
Sunflower : Sunflowers attract pollinators; both are tall Asteraceae that grow well together
Lettuce : Lettuce thrives in the partial shade cast by artichoke's large leaves
Peas : Peas fix nitrogen that heavy-feeding artichokes use
Cabbage : Both heavy feeders that benefit from rich soil; artichoke's height provides wind protection

Keep Apart

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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