Growing Artichokes (Globe)

Cynara scolymus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P P  

(Best months for growing Artichokes (Globe) in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 59°F and 64°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 63 - 79 inches apart
  • Harvest in 42-57 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Needs a lot of space. Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

14 Aug 19, Kerstin (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
We have some lovage plants what are compatible with this plant? thank's Kerstin
02 Jul 19, Daila (Australia - temperate climate)
I just wanted to let you know that in Sydney, NSW it doesnt matter where I buy globe artichokes from they are as tough and dry and clearly picked too late, because by the time i gets to retail - you can forget about it. I cant tell you how much money I have spent and then the globe ends up in the bin - at $2.99 - $3.50 a single globe, ill let you do the math. Im Italian and there are at least 20 different ways I cook with them and because I know they have such a short shelf life, I keep hoping that Ill be rewarded, so i keep buying them - and throwing them away. Can you please pass onto the growers (if you know who they are) that if they pick the globes when they fully grown - its too late. So the retailers wont be able to sell them, we wont buy them anymore and all that hard work goes to waste - as does the crop at the markets. You already have half the population who have no idea how to cook them - why treat this little gem with such disrespect??? I dont get it. We are so lucky in Oz we can get ANY type of fruit or veg at any time of the year, but we cant get the globe artichoke right. Ever noticed why they are NEVER featured on any cooking show? MKR - Masterchef - funny that. I know for a fact that they are really difficult to grow, but it would be nice to be able to enjoy them when they are in season... and i would pay more if only i knew I could get a tender one (regardless of how good it looks on the outside). Thanks for listening - i tried searching growers on social media to gripe - but had no luck. Cheers
15 Oct 21, Francoise (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Out of a whole packet, 10 seeds, I only managed to get one plant, but it is majestic, with 15 buds on it, and I could not resist and ate the first one before maybe full size, But it was the best ever, and I was born in Bretagne, France, where they are a major crop, SO, they take time, effort, water XX, and space, but grow your own! Is worth it. I'd appreciate a simple recipe for the buds in case they don't all develop.
17 May 19, Jude (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Purchased 3 artichoke plants in a nursary closing down. It is the end of May, was thinking I would plant out in the flower garden, such a beautiful plant. You mentioned not to let fruit in the 1st year, do I just cut them back or dead head them. We get light frosts am I better planting in a shade house. This is my first attempt at growing artichokes.
23 Apr 19, Maria Agenbag (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. I'm in the Barossa where we have really hot summers up to 45c in Feb and really cold winters. I want to plant seeds I got hold of. When would you suggest I do that. I do have a small green house. Should I use that and when. Thank you so much Maria
09 Mar 19, Carol Ball (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Hi I am very new to vegetable growing and want to try companion planting for my vegetables. However, I don't know what an acceptable distance is for companion planting. I do not have a large plot for me veg, any advice please?
30 Jan 19, Gary Sant (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Mike. I just planted an artichoke seedling. Found it at Bunnings. I read it will take about a year to bear fruit. Fingers crossed.
31 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Might need some looking after in this heat. Good luck!
15 Nov 18, Wendy (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I would love the pickling recipe too using olive oil. thanks
15 Nov 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Research it on the internet - google.
Showing 41 - 50 of 122 comments

Try artichokes. I just dug a hole and throw in a bucket of compost then plant at about 4-6 inches and leave alone. I put them in along a south facing fence about 6 feet apart. They do need tying in later in summer so I just use the fence for this.

- Steve

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