Giant Green

Artichoke

Zone 12a Save Garden

🌱 120d to harvest Upright

Experience the thrill of Giant Green’s oversized, tightly packed globes—silky, deep-green bracts that feel substantial in the han…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Oct 23rd
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	May 1st
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Artichokes commonly suffer from downy mildew (often seen as yellow patches on leaf tops with a gray-purple growth underneath) and botrytis/stem rots in humid conditions. Improve air flow by spacing plants and removing heavily infected leaves, then water at the base to keep foliage dry. If mildew appears, apply a labeled fungicide for artichokes and repeat as directed, especially during cool, damp weather.

How often should I water Cynara scolymus during active growth, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During the main growth phase (from leaf-out until bud set), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for the top 1–2 inches to dry slightly before watering again. In typical summer conditions this often works out to about 1–2 inches of water per week total (more in heat, less in cool cloudy spells). Use deep watering to reach the root zone because consistently wet soil around crowns can invite rot.

How do I tell when Cynara scolymus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the buds are fully sized and the bracts are still tight—usually when the central choke is just beginning to loosen but before the buds open and show purple flowers. For best eating, cut buds early in the morning and harvest as soon as buds reach maturity (around 120 days). If you wait for bracts to spread and flowers to appear, the artichoke becomes tough and less flavorful.

Experience the thrill of Giant Green’s oversized, tightly packed globes—silky, deep-green bracts that feel substantial in the hand and promise a rich, artichoke-forward flavor. Expect a meaty, tender heart with a firm, satisfying bite that shines when roasted or grilled, and also performs beautifully in warm sauces and savory preparations. For home gardeners, this is a bold statement variety: plant it for impressive harvests and a long season of showy, harvest-ready heads.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 45°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start early and transplant only when nights are reliably mild, then keep crowns evenly moist for the biggest bud size.