Vegetable · Asteraceae family
globe artichoke
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
In short a 10-second read
Globe artichoke (vegetable) grows to 0.9–1.8 m tall and 0.6–1 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in February–April. Plant out in May–June. Harvest in July–October. Hardy to −12 °C.
× spread 0.6–1 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −12 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich
Soil pH 6.5–7.5
Frost
It does not take frost well — in winter it needs protection or a pot you can bring indoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–3 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
harvest regularly (July–October); remove flower stems (September–October); cut back to the ground (November)
Sowing
sow indoors: February–April
Planting out
transplant outdoors: May–June
Harvest
July–October
Winter protection
mulch the crown, protect from winter wet
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: mulch the crown, protect from winter wet.
- Mulch the crown
- Protect from winter wet
- Hardy to −12 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow globe artichoke?
In February–April (sow indoors).
When is globe artichoke harvested?
In July–October.
Does globe artichoke tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does globe artichoke need?
At maturity 0.6–1 m wide and 0.9–1.8 m tall; recommended spacing 100 cm.
Does globe artichoke survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: mulch the crown, protect from winter wet.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
