Globe Artichoke
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
The globe artichoke is one of the most architectural plants in the kitchen garden — towering, silver-leaved, and magnificent in flower if you let it go to seed. The edible part is the immature flower head, eaten before the petals open. Perennial, productive, and impressively beautiful.
SowingStart indoors
Sunlight☀️ Full sun
Water💧💧 Moderate
Days to harvest365–540
Soil pH6.5–7.5
Spacing90cm × 90cm
Planting Calendar
Sow indoorsSow outdoorsTransplantHarvest
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Long-Term Investment
Globe artichokes are perennial and live for 4–6 years before declining. Year one produces little harvest — by years two and three they are at peak productivity. Give them permanent, well-prepared beds.Propagation
The easiest propagation is from offsets — rooted side-shoots taken from an established plant in spring. These establish quickly and crop reliably. Growing from seed produces variable plants.Winter Protection
In colder areas (north of the Midlands), protect the crowns over winter with a thick mulch of straw or bracken. In mild areas they are surprisingly tough.Soil: Deep, rich, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established but needs fertile conditions.