Artichaut de Nice

Globe Artichoke

Zone 8b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Artichaut de Nice

🌱 120d to harvest Upright

Unfurling from tight, armor-plated bracts, Artichaut de Nice delivers a lush, nutty-sweet flavor with a tender, succulent heart t…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 12th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 16th
Harvest Begins	Jul 14th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

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)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Scarlet Nantes Carrot

Danvers Half Long Carrot

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Artichaut de Nice plants getting powdery white spots and dying back at the edges, and what should I do?

Powdery mildew commonly shows up on artichokes as a white, dusty coating on leaves, often starting on the lower foliage. Remove and discard the worst leaves early, then improve airflow by spacing plants and avoiding overhead watering. For control, spray a labeled sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product every 7–10 days until new growth stays clean.

How often should I water Artichaut de Nice during the main growing phase to keep the heads forming well?

From planting through head production, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for evenly damp soil the top 1–2 inches down. Water deeply 1–2 times per week depending on heat, and increase frequency during windy/hot spells so the crowns don’t dry out. Mulch around the base to stabilize moisture and reduce leaf scorch from fluctuating wet–dry cycles.

How can I tell when Artichaut de Nice is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the outer bracts are tightly closed and the head feels firm, typically around 120 days after sowing/transplanting. The best timing is just before the buds start to loosen or show a hint of purple at the tips. Use a sharp knife to cut the head with a short stem (about 1–3 inches), then you’ll often get smaller side shoots after the main harvest.

Unfurling from tight, armor-plated bracts, Artichaut de Nice delivers a lush, nutty-sweet flavor with a tender, succulent heart that feels velvety to the palate. The globes mature in a stately, uniform form—deeply textured and richly colored—so they’re as satisfying to grow as they are to savor. Ideal for roasting and steaming, Artichaut de Nice shines in warm dips and savory sauces, and its firm bracts hold beautifully for pickling-style preparations.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 50°F and nights stay above 40°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Start seeds early (or buy transplants) and transplant into well-drained soil, keeping the crown at/just above the soil line for the best bud set.