Plant field guide
Artichoke
Dramatic architectural plant with edible flower buds. Ornamentally stunning even if you never eat one.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 36 in (91 cm) – 60 in (152 cm)
- Spread
- 36 in (91 cm) – 48 in (122 cm)
- Spacing
- 36 in (91 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 7–10; average annual extreme minimum from 0°F (-17.8°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- moderate
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: November.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Perennial in zones 7-10; grown as annual elsewhere. Harvest buds before they open.
Pruning
Cut entire plant to 6 inches after harvest season.
Fertilizer
Balanced fertilizer
Monthly during growing season
Mulch
Heavy mulch for winter protection in zone 7.