Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus & C. cardunculus

Artichoke & Cardoon

The flower buds of the artichoke are the harvested part of the plant. Artichokes are reported to contain the highest level of antioxidants of all vegetables

Shop Now

The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 65–75°F
Seed Depth ¼"
Days to Emergence 10–20
Soil Temp for Transplant 45°F
Plant Spacing 3–5'
Row Spacing 4–6'
Bearing Age 120 Days
Fertilizer Needs Low
Minimum Germination 70%
Seeds per Gram ≈ 15–20
Seed Life 1 year

Get the Basics

Learn How to Grow Artichoke & Cardoon

More About

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus The flower buds of the artichoke are the harvested part of the plant. Artichokes are reported to contain the highest level of antioxidants of all vegetables!

C. cardunculus Cardoon is a relative of the artichoke. Instead of consuming the flower as with artichokes, the fleshy leaf stems are eaten.

Days to maturity are calculated from date of transplant.

Culture
• Artichokes are a tender perennial that prefer mild winters and cool summers
• Deep, fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5-7.5 provide optimum growth
• Before a hard frost, cut plants to 8-10 inches above ground and mulch with clean straw to keep the crown from freezing; crown death may occur at 25°F or lower

Direct Sowing
• Not recommended

Transplanting
• Start indoors in February, sow 3-5 seeds per 4 inch pot; thin out weak or thorny seedlings and keep the strongest plant
• Transplant after danger of frost, but when the seedlings can still receive 10-12 days of temperatures under 50°F to induce budding
• Work in 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer around each plant

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Aphids
• Insect control: Pyrethrin or Insecticidal Soap
• Common diseases: Crown rot, powdery mildew, molds
• Disease prevention: Avoid overhead irrigation and water-logged soil

Harvest & Storage
• Cut buds before they start to open
• Smaller artichokes are the most tender
• Cardoon can be harvested green or blanched white by wrapping the young stalks with newspaper or piling straw around the plants for 30 days prior to harvest
• Store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity

Employee Favorites

Our #1 Employee Pick!

Maecenas tincidunt auctor mollis. Nulla egestas elit ac auctor pharetra. Maecenas dolor ex, ultrices vitae pellentesque nec, tincidunt nec lectus. Ut posuere lacinia leo, non aliquam nunc pulvinar at.

Button Copy

GREEN GLOBE

Vegetable | artichoke | globe

From $12.95

120 days. The original improved artichoke, Green Globe flowers in early summer. The flower buds are deep green with a light purple tinge. A good harvest of 3–4 heads can be expected throughout the summer. They are 3–5 inches in diameter and have thick, flavorful hearts. Proven to be the most hardy and remain productive for at least 5 years. Hardy in zone 7 and above.