Tavor

Artichoke

Zone 2b Save Garden

🌱 120d to harvest Upright

Tavor artichokes open to reveal a lush, deeply flavored heart with a tender, meaty bite and a gently nutty finish. The heads form…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 15th
Harvest Begins	Sep 12th
Harvest Ends	Aug 25th

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)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Georgia Rattlesnake Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects artichokes (Cynara scolymus), and how do I treat it?

A frequent problem is gray mold (Botrytis), which shows up as gray fuzzy growth on leaves and buds when weather stays cool and wet. Improve airflow by thinning crowded plants, remove any infected leaves right away, and water at the soil line to keep foliage dry. If it’s actively spreading, use a labeled fungicide for Botrytis on edible crops and reapply according to the label interval.

How often should I water Cynara scolymus during its main growth phase?

During the main growth period (roughly after plants establish until bud harvest), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on heat and drainage. Water deeply when the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil dries out, because artichokes respond best to consistent moisture while forming stems and developing buds. Avoid frequent light sprinkling, which encourages leaf problems and weak rooting.

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

Harvest when the buds reach full size and the bracts are still tight, with the inner scales just beginning to open (often around 120 days from planting, depending on start date). If the bud bracts start separating widely or you see purple flowers, it’s past prime—pick earlier next time. Cut the bud 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) below the head using a sharp knife, and you can often get additional smaller side shoots after the first harvest.

Tavor artichokes open to reveal a lush, deeply flavored heart with a tender, meaty bite and a gently nutty finish. The heads form with an elegant, tightly layered crown—silky bracts that roast beautifully to a golden, caramel-leaning sweetness while staying pleasantly succulent. Grow Tavor for a long-season harvest of substantial, showy artichokes that shine in fresh preparations, savory sauces, and quick pickling for bright, tangy contrast.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 35°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

In cooler regions, start from seed indoors early and transplant after frost when the plant is actively growing; mulch heavily to protect crowns in winter.