Crops › Globe Artichoke
How to grow Globe Artichoke
in the US
Sow March to April, plant out May, harvest May to July. About 120 days from seed to plate.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
Globe Artichokes, they're a proper statement plant, aren't they? Big and bold, they really stand out on the plot, looking a bit exotic even. And then you get to eat them, which is the best bit.
Sowing
Right, growing these from seed, it's a bit of a challenge, to be honest, but well worth it. You'll want to start them indoors, usually about 120 days before you hope to harvest, which is typically July to September. For folks in warmer zones like 9 and 10, that means starting as early as January or February, or even late fall. If you're in zones 5-7, think March or April, and for zones 3-4, May is your best bet. Sow seeds about an inch deep in individual pots, keeping them warm, around 65-70°F (18-21°C), on a windowsill or with a heat mat if you've got one. They need a good start.
Growing on
Once your seedlings have a few true leaves and are looking sturdy, pot them on into larger pots if they're getting crowded. Before planting them out, harden them off properly for a week or two, you know, getting them used to the outdoors. Don't rush it; wait until all danger of the last frost has passed. Artichokes are big plants, so give them plenty of room, about 3 feet (90cm) apart. They like a sunny spot with good drainage.
Looking after it
Artichokes are quite thirsty, especially in dry spells, so keep them well watered, particularly as the flower heads start to form. A good mulch around the base will help keep that moisture in and suppress weeds. They're hungry too, so give them a decent feed every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Keep an eye on them, make sure they're happy and growing strong.
What goes wrong
Like most plants on the plot, artichokes can attract a few unwelcome visitors. Slugs and snails are partial to the young leaves, so be vigilant, especially when they're small; a bit of slug bait or a nightly patrol usually does the trick. Aphids can also be a nuisance, gathering on the tender new growth. A strong jet of water or a bit of insecticidal soap can knock them back. Planting marigolds or nasturtium nearby can help too.
Harvest
You'll be harvesting your cracking artichokes from July through to September. They're ready when the flower buds are still tightly closed and firm, before they start to open up at all. Cut them with about 2-3 inches (5-8cm) of stem attached. Don't leave them too long or they'll go tough and woody. If you've got a glut, they're best eaten fresh, to be honest, but you can refrigerate them for a week or so, or try pickling.
I always give my artichoke plants a proper deep water the day before I plan to feed them; seems to help them really soak up the goodness, you know what I mean.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Green Globe This is a classic for a reason, a really dependable globe artichoke. It's a great choice if you're just starting out with these magnificent plants. | No club votes yet |
| Imperial Star Imperial Star gives you a good, early crop of those lovely green globes. If you like to get a head start on your season, this one's a winner. | No club votes yet |
| Tavor Tavor is another solid green globe type that you can count on year after year. It's a good all-rounder for any plot or backyard. | No club votes yet |
| Violetta di Chioggia This one's a beauty, a striking violet-purple artichoke from Italy, offering a touch of something different. Start it early for a fantastic display and delicious harvest. | No club votes yet |
| Romanesco Romanesco is a very consistent performer, known for its good-sized, flavorful heads. It's a cracking choice for anyone wanting a generous harvest. | No club votes yet |
| Tempo Tempo is a reliable early starter, getting you those first artichokes a bit quicker than some others. It's great if you're eager for an early taste of the season. | No club votes yet |
| Colorado Star (Purple) A lovely purple artichoke that adds a splash of color to your garden and your plate. This variety is known for being quite hardy and productive. | No club votes yet |
| Emerald Emerald gives you a strong, steady crop of classic green globe artichokes. It's a dependable variety if you're looking for consistent results from an early start. | No club votes yet |
| Carciofo Violetto Another wonderful Italian purple artichoke, offering a distinctive look and excellent flavor. If you fancy something a bit special for your dinner table, this is it. | No club votes yet |
| Concerto Concerto is a good, solid green artichoke that gets going nicely with an early start. It's a reliable choice for a steady supply of delicious heads. | No club votes yet |
| Siena Siena is a robust artichoke, giving you a good number of medium to large heads. It's a reliable choice for a hearty harvest on the plot. | No club votes yet |
| Opera Opera performs well with an early start, giving you good, uniform green artichokes. It's a consistent producer if you want to get your harvest going quickly. | No club votes yet |
| Granada Granada is a dependable green artichoke that produces a good crop of tasty heads. It's a solid choice for general growing and good yields. | No club votes yet |
| Arad Arad is a very productive variety, especially when given an early start indoors. You'll be chuffed with the amount of globe artichokes you get from this one. | No club votes yet |
| Symphony Symphony lives up to its name, offering a harmonious and reliable crop of green artichokes. It's a great all-rounder for consistent performance on the plot. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Globe Artichoke seeds
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Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May | July to August |
| Zone 4 | April to May | June to August |
| Zone 5 | April to May | June to August |
| Zone 6 | March to April | May to July |
| Zone 7 | March to April | May to July |
| Zone 8 | February to April | April to July |
| Zone 9 | January to November | March to December |
| Zone 10 | October to February | March to December |
Cook the harvest
Artichoke hearts are sautéed until golden, then stirred into a classic, properly made Arborio risotto with white wine and Parmesan for a dish that is simultaneously rustic and refined. The artichoke's natural sweetness melds beautifully with the creamy rice and salty Parmesan in every spoonful.
45 min · mediumA velvety, restaurant-quality bisque made from artichoke hearts blended smooth with sweet onion, garlic, and a touch of cream. Rich but not heavy, this elegant soup is finished with a swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chives for a stunning first course.
45 min · mediumIn this Roman classic, whole artichokes are stuffed with a fragrant mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, mint, and parsley, then braised upside-down in white wine and olive oil until completely tender and the stuffing is golden and fragrant. It is a dish that rewards patience and makes an impressive starter or vegetarian main.
75 min · mediumArtichokes are halved, parboiled until tender, then charred on a hot grill until the leaves develop smoky, caramelized edges and the cut side has beautiful grill marks. Dunked leaf by leaf into a sharp, garlicky aioli, this is one of the great pleasures of summer grilling season.
45 min · mediumWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: marigolds, nasturtium
Questions people ask
When do you sow Globe Artichoke in the US?
Sow Globe Artichoke from March to April in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out May, after the last frost.
How long does Globe Artichoke take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 120 days, with the harvest May to July.
Which Globe Artichoke varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Green Globe, Imperial Star, Tavor, Violetta di Chioggia and more.
Track your Globe Artichoke from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.