Artichoke Growing Guide
Artichoke is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Challenging.
Category
Vegetable
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Tender
Growing Zones
Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Perennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
14 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
60 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Artichoke?
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Your Artichoke Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Artichoke's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 10–20 days
Growing Tips
- 1Artichokes thrive in full sunlight, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun each day.
- 2They prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost to improve soil quality.
- 3Water them deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
- 4Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart to ensure good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.
- 5Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and slugs, and use natural remedies like neem oil or diatomaceous earth to manage them.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~180
Days to Maturity
120 cm
Mature Height
120 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
60 days
When to Pick
Harvest buds before opening
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest artichokes when the buds are firm and about 3 inches in diameter, before they start to open.
- 2Use a sharp knife to cut the stem about 1 to 3 inches below the bud.
- 3Avoid damaging the plant by leaving some leaves on the stem to allow for continued growth.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your artichoke plant is a rewarding and simple process that any new grower can master! Allow a few artichoke flowers to fully bloom and dry on the plant—these will turn into large, fluffy seed heads. Once the heads are dry and brown, gently cut them off and shake out the seeds, which look like small, flat, grayish-brown chips. Let the seeds dry for a few days in a cool, airy spot, then store them in a labeled envelope or airtight container in a cool, dry place. With just a little patience, you’ll have your own homegrown seeds ready for next season—saving seeds is a wonderful way to keep your garden growing year after year!
Seed Production
Feeling inspired?
Grow Artichoke from seed.
Edible flower buds — a long game with a beautiful payoff. Buy a pack and get started.
$2.25
CAD
In Stock
