Pineapple Artichoke

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Sun-warmed globes of Pineapple Artichoke arrive with a regal, pineapple-like flair—tight, meaty hearts wrapped in thick, silvery-green bracts that feel satisfyingly firm at first touch.

The flavor is richly nutty and gently sweet, with a distinctive, artichoke-deep savor that shines in classic globe preparations and elegant sauces. Grow this long-season beauty for a dependable perennial harvest, building clumps of architectural plants that reward patience with bold, showy buds.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 150 DaysHabit: Clumping

Botanical illustration of Pineapple Artichoke

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Nov 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	150
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These Pineapple Artichokes bring a sturdier, meatier bite than many standard globes, so they hold shape in heat while their nutty sweetness blooms. Use lemon and a fat (butter or aioli) to tame the bracing herbal bitterness and let the hearts taste like a warm, toasted vegetable centerpiece.

Best Uses

steam and dress hearts with lemon-garlic mayo
slow-braise or roast until edges go bronzed and caramel-nutty
fold into creamy gratins and pasta with Parmigiano
whip into a silky purée for warm vinaigrettes or sheet-pan sauces

Flavor Profile

meaty, nutty core gentle sweetness with artichoke savor toasty herbal bitterness on the finish firm bracts that tender without collapsing

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic Parmesan brown butter aioli/mayo chicken or white wine

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cynara scolymus (artichoke), and how can I control it at home?

Watch for aphids and slugs/snails, which commonly damage artichoke shoots and tender growth. For aphids, spray plants with a strong jet of water, then apply insecticidal soap if needed; for slugs/snails, use iron-phosphate bait and hand-pick at dusk. Also keep leaves from staying wet to reduce fungal issues like botrytis and leaf spotting—thin overcrowded plants and water at the soil line.

How often should I water Cynara scolymus during the main growing phase?

During active growth, keep the top 2–3 inches of soil evenly moist but not soggy—water deeply about 1–2 times per week, adjusting for heat and soil drainage. If the soil dries out between waterings, artichoke buds can stall and become smaller; if it stays wet, crowns are more likely to rot. Aim the water at the base and stop reducing watering once heads have formed to avoid overly watery growth.

How can I tell when my Cynara scolymus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the artichoke heads are fully formed and tight, with the outer bracts still firm and fairly flat—not starting to open and spread. For most home plantings, you’ll harvest roughly 150 days from maturity, and you can pick heads as soon as they reach a good size even if the plant will produce multiple rounds. Snip the head with 2–4 inches of stem, and harvest before the center begins showing blue-violet flower.