Cynara cardunculus 'Giant'

Cardoon

Zone 1a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Cynara cardunculus 'Giant'

🌱 120d to harvest Clumping

Unfurling into towering, architectural hearts, Cynara cardunculus ‘Giant’ offers a bold, artichoke-like aroma with a pleasantly b…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 4th
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Sep 29th
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Recommended Companions

Kyoto Red Carrot

Nantes Half Long Carrot

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly hit Cynara scolymus (artichoke) and what can I do quickly?

Artichokes commonly suffer from aphids and occasionally fungal leaf spots (often worse with wet foliage and poor airflow). Spray a strong jet of water to knock off aphids, then treat with insecticidal soap if numbers build, and remove heavily spotted leaves to reduce spread. Avoid overhead watering—water at the soil line—and space plants so leaves dry fast after irrigation or rain.

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

During active growth (roughly from establishment through heading formation), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, increasing in hot, windy weeks. Water deeply, then let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent crown rot. Mulch around the plants to stabilize moisture and reduce drought stress that can limit head size.

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

Harvest when the buds are fully formed but before the inner bracts loosen and the choke begins to open—this is usually around 120 days from planting to maturity. Check the top bud: it should feel tight and firm, with bracts still tightly closed and a fresh, green appearance rather than a browning, opening look. Use a sharp knife to cut the bud with a short stem, then allow side buds to develop for additional harvests.

Unfurling into towering, architectural hearts, Cynara cardunculus ‘Giant’ offers a bold, artichoke-like aroma with a pleasantly bitter edge that gardeners love to tame. The thick, fleshy ribs are firm and succulent, forming large, upright clumps with a satisfying crunch and a deep, savory character ideal for roasting, braising, and transforming into rich sauces. Grow ‘Giant’ for dramatic garden presence and bountiful, platter-ready cardoon harvests at about 120 days.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

Grow cardoon like a long-season, cool-leaning biennial: start indoors early, transplant into cool but workable soil, then blanch stalks as they mature for best tenderness.