Cynara scolymus 'Italian'

Globe Artichoke

Zone 8b Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Cynara scolymus 'Italian'

🌱 150d to harvest Upright

Silvery, tightly cupped buds unfurl into a regal, nutty-sweet flavor with a tender, meaty heart and a crisp, satiny texture. Cyna…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 15th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 23rd
Harvest Begins	Aug 20th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	150
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)	50
Harden Off (days)	7

Recommended Companions

Mother Of Thyme Thyme

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Cynara scolymus (artichokes), and what should I do?

A common problem is Artichoke downy mildew (often shows as pale-yellow patches on upper leaves and grayish growth on the underside). Remove and destroy heavily affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering. If outbreaks persist, apply a labeled fungicide that targets downy mildew and follow label timing for repeat applications.

How often should I water Italian artichokes during peak growth, and what soil moisture level do they need?

During active growth, keep soil evenly moist—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on heat and soil type. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch (2–3 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent root stress.

How can I tell when Italian artichokes are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the edible buds are fully formed and tight: the bracts should be firm and still closed, and the top should not be opening or showing purple flowers. For most plants, this occurs after roughly 150 days from planting for the main crop, but confirm by bud size and tightness—cut the stem with about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) below the bud once ready.

Silvery, tightly cupped buds unfurl into a regal, nutty-sweet flavor with a tender, meaty heart and a crisp, satiny texture. Cynara scolymus ‘Italian’ forms large, globe-shaped artichokes that roast beautifully, shine in warm sauces, and also lend themselves to pickling for a bright, tangy bite. A standout for gardeners who want bold, architectural plants and harvests that feel like a seasonal celebration.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

Globe artichokes are long-lived and slow to establish—start early indoors and transplant only when nights are reliably mild, then mulch heavily to protect crowns.