Artichoke plants (Cynara scolymus) are herbaceous perennials that are members of the Asteraceae family, a group that includes thistles, dandelions, and sunflowers. They are short-lived perennials in warmer climates but are normally grown as annuals in cooler regions.
Artichokes are usually grown for their edible flower buds, which are harvested before the flowers open. Artichokes leaves are silvery-green in color with a long, arching shape. Although they look soft, the leaves can be quite prickly. The plant stems are thick and fleshy.
The flower buds are the parts of the plant sold in produce aisles. At the base of the bud is the tender, flavorful artichoke “heart.” If allowed to blossom on the plant, artichoke flowers open into large, dome- or muff-shaped purple thistles that are surprisingly fragrant.
Artichokes are planted at different times of the year, depending on the climate. Where they are grown as annuals, they must be planted in spring. In warmer zones where they survive as perennials, they are often planted as seeds in late summer or as young plants (or transplants) in mid-autumn. They typically need 85 to 100 days to reach harvest.
Growing artichokes can feel intimidating for beginning gardeners, but follow these care tips and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty crop of these unique delicious veggies.
Native to the Mediterranean region, artichokes thrive in mild, coastal climates like California and the southern Atlantic coast. They can even grow well inland with the right care.
Below I’ll walk through the key aspects of artichoke plant care so you can have success no matter where you live.
Choosing the Best Variety
There are a few main types of artichokes to choose from:
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Green Globe – The classic variety with green color and globe shape. A standard for good reason.
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Imperial Star – A green globe type with thornless leaves, making it easier to harvest.
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Violetto – An elongated variety with striking purple color
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Big Heart – Produces gigantic, dense artichoke heads often weighing over a pound.
For most home gardens, Green Globe and Imperial Star are foolproof options that balance flavor, productivity, and ease of care.
Providing the Right Soil
Artichokes thrive in nutrient-rich soil with lots of organic matter. Improve your native soil by:
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Mixing in several inches of compost or well-rotted manure before planting
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Side-dressing with compost or organic fertilizer monthly
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Growing a cover crop like legumes to boost nitrogen
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Incorporating nutrients with worm castings
Soil pH should be around 6.5-7.0. Artichokes tolerate slightly alkaline conditions if needed.
Meeting Water Needs
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Water 1-2 times per week during growth and bud formation
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Artichokes are heavy drinkers, so water deeply to saturate the roots
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Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for the most efficient watering
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Drought leads to tough, bitter buds
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Standing water causes root rot – ensure good drainage
Providing Plenty of Sunlight
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Artichokes require full sun – at least 6 hours per day
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In very hot climates, afternoon shade is acceptable
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More sun equals more buds
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Reflective mulch increases sun exposure
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Don’t let other plants shade out artichokes
Stopping Pest Problems
Common artichoke pests and organic solutions:
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Aphids – Insecticidal soap, neem oil, strong spray of water
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Snails – Iron phosphate bait, shallow beer trap
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Caterpillars – Remove by hand, apply BT spray
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Powdery mildew – Diluted neem oil
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Slugs – Diatomaceous earth around plants
Avoiding Diseases
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Improve drainage to prevent fungal issues like root rot
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Allow leaves to dry quickly after watering
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Apply copper fungicide to control leaf spot
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Remove diseased material promptly
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Disinfect tools between plants
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Rotate crop location to interrupt disease cycles
Caring Through Winter
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Cut plants back after harvest and mulch heavily around the base
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Cold frame or fabric row covers provide extra protection
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Remove mulch in spring as soil warms
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Division or transplanting should occur in early spring
Ongoing Maintenance
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Weed control is important – mulch generously
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Side dress with compost or organic fertilizer monthly
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Prune excessive stalks to encourage bud formation
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Support large plants with tomato cages
Frequency of Entities:
- artichoke plant care guide tips and tricks for healthy growth: 13
- Keep the soil moist: 1
- Mulch around the plants to keep the moisture in the soil: 1
- Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once every month during the growing season: 1
- Remove the mulch when the plants begin to bud and cover the soil around the plants with compost: 1
- Artichoke plants will go dormant in hot weather: 1
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Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warm weather, such as that found in the Mediterranean region and in California. Excessive heat will cause the plant to bloom prematurely. When grown as perennials, artichokes favor areas with mild winters (50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit) and cool, moist summers (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Very hot soil will make the plants flower too quickly, so apply a thick mulch around the base of the plants to keep the soil cool.
Artichoke Care
Because artichokes often take two years to flower, they are typically sold as container plants in their second year or as established root crowns. They become large plants and should be spaced at least four feet apart, but six feet is even better. Plants grown as annuals, or where the tops will be killed back by frost, will not grow as large and can be spaced a little closer. Harvest the buds for eating before they develop into thistle-like flowers.
When grown within their hardiness range, artichoke plants should produce for about three to five years and will develop side shoots at their bases. At this time, you can lift, divide, and replant the new shoots.