General
Globe artichoke is a long-lived perennial grown for its tender, edible flower buds. In Nordic climates it is often treated as an annual for reliable harvest the first season, but in the mildest areas it can overwinter with mulch. Plants form a robust rosette with silvery, serrated leaves and tall bud-bearing stems. Bud quality depends on steady moisture, rich soil, and cool-to-mild temperatures. Select earlies (e.g., 'Imperial Star', 'Green Globe Improved') for first-year production.
Light
Full sun (6–8+ hours). Tolerates light partial shade in hot spells but best bud set in full sun.
Soil type
Deep, fertile, well-drained loam enriched with compost; prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soils. Avoid waterlogging.
Water requirement
Consistently moist, not wet. 25–40 mm/week during active growth; mulch to retain moisture.
Nutrient requirement
Heavy feeder. High organic matter, steady nitrogen early, balanced PK for bud formation.
Precultivation
Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Sow 1–2 cm deep at 18–22°C; germination typically in 10–20 days. Provide strong light to prevent legginess. Pot up to 9–12 cm pots once true leaves form. A gentle vernalization improves early bud set: after seedlings are sturdy (4–5 leaves), expose them to 7–10°C for 10–14 days without frost. Harden off for 7–10 days before planting out.
Planting
Plant out after frost risk when daytime temps are reliably 10°C+ and nights >5–8°C. Spacing 90–120 cm between plants, 120–150 cm between rows. Incorporate 3–5 L mature compost per plant hole plus a balanced organic fertilizer. Water in thoroughly and mulch (straw, leaves, or compost) to stabilize moisture. In containers, use a 40–60 L pot with free-draining mix and regular feeding.
Pruning
During the season, remove weak side shoots and spent buds to direct energy to remaining heads. After main harvest, cut flowering stems back to the crown. In autumn, reduce top growth and tidy the clump; in perennial plantings mound dry mulch 15–25 cm over the crown to protect against cold. In spring, remove winter-killed leaves to reduce rot and pest habitat.
Maintenance
Keep evenly moist, especially during bud formation. Side-dress with compost or liquid feed every 3–4 weeks in spring–early summer. Mulch to suppress weeds and buffer soil temperature. Stake tall stems in windy sites. Check for slugs/snails early, and for aphids on tender shoots—use water jet or soft soap if needed. Remove any flower heads before they open for best eating quality; allowing some to bloom supports pollinators.
Harvest
Harvest when buds are firm, globular, and scales are still tightly closed—typically 8–12 cm diameter for main heads and smaller for side shoots. Cut with 3–5 cm of stem in the cool of morning. Use promptly or refrigerate unwashed in a breathable bag for up to a week. For best flavor, keep plants well-watered for the two weeks prior to harvest.
Common issues
Cold snaps below -3 to -5°C can damage young growth—use fleece. Drought causes small, tough buds; maintain mulch and regular watering. Aphids distort new growth—control with strong water spray or soap. Slugs/snails chew leaves—hand-pick, traps, or iron phosphate baits. Botrytis/rot in wet soils—improve drainage and avoid overhead watering.
Pollination
Not required for harvest of immature flower buds. Flowers are pollinator-friendly if allowed to bloom.
Companion plants
Lettuce, spinach, peas, beans, onions, garlic, nasturtium, calendula. Low, shallow-rooted plants fit under the canopy.
Incompatible plants
Fennel, potatoes, vigorous cucurbits close by (competition for water/nutrients). Avoid following other Asteraceae.
