Artichoke Planting Guide
Globe artichokes are large thistle-like perennials prized for their edible flower buds. They produce striking silvery foliage and can be grown as ornamentals.
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus · Vegetable · Asteraceae family · 120–180 days to maturity
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Where Can You Grow Artichoke?
Artichoke Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Artichoke planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 8 | Aug 12 – Oct 21 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 1 | Aug 5 – Oct 14 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 22 | Jul 26 – Oct 4 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 11 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 24 | Jun 30 – Sep 8 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 8 | Jun 14 – Aug 23 |
| Zone 10a | — | — | Jan 15 | May 21 – Jul 30 |
| Zone 10b | — | — | Jan 15 | May 21 – Jul 30 |
| Zone 11a | — | — | Jan 15 | May 21 – Jul 30 |
| Zone 11b | — | — | Jan 15 | May 21 – Jul 30 |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Artichoke is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Artichoke benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Artichoke
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6.5 – 8
Tolerates slightly alkaline soil. Add sulfur if pH is too high.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 7a – 11b
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Asteraceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Asteraceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Artichoke to Grow
Artichoke takes 120–180 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Artichoke
✅ Good Companions
❌ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Artichoke
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture and mulch heavily. Harvest buds before scales begin to open for best flavor.
Saving Artichoke Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Artichoke by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Artichoke?
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) takes 120 to 180 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Artichoke grow in?
Artichoke can be grown in USDA zones 7a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Artichoke need?
Growing Artichoke requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6.5 to 8.