Globe artichoke Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Western and central Mediterranean (derived from cardoon). It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Globe artichoke at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: immature flower buds (hearts), stems |
| Native to | Western and central Mediterranean (derived from cardoon) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇮🇹 Italy |
Is Globe artichoke toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Culinary vegetable; no significant toxicity reported for people or pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Globe artichoke
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about Globe artichoke
- How far apart should I plant Globe artichoke?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Globe artichoke need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Globe artichoke need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Globe artichoke?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Globe artichoke flower?
- From about July for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Globe artichoke poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary vegetable; no significant toxicity reported for people or pets.
- What grows well with Globe artichoke?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Globe artichoke. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Dies back or is cut back in cold winters and may need winter mulch below zone 7; seed-raised plants may not bud in the first year without cold.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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