How to Grow Globe Artichokes: A Practical Guide from Seed to Harvest

Globe artichokes are one of those vegetables that look just as good in a flower border as they do in the kitchen garden. Their large, silvery-green leaves make impressive plants, and the flower buds are a real treat when harvested young.

They're also quite different from most vegetables we grow. Rather than sowing a new crop every year, globe artichokes are perennials that can produce a harvest for several seasons once established.

I particularly like them for their ornamental value. Even if you don't harvest every bud, you can leave a few to open into spectacular purple, thistle-like flowers that bees absolutely love.

Growing globe artichokes from seed takes a little patience, but it's straightforward enough. The main thing is to give them plenty of space, reasonably fertile soil and a sheltered position where they can develop into substantial plants.

When to Sow

Globe artichokes can be sown under cover from February to April.

I prefer starting them in pots during March or early April. The seedlings have plenty of time to develop before planting outside, without spending too long waiting for the weather to improve.

You can sow earlier if you have a heated propagator and somewhere bright to grow the young plants.

Artichokes are perennial, so there's no need to rush them. Some varieties may produce a few buds during their first year, but others will concentrate on developing a strong plant and crop more reliably from their second season.

Varieties such as Green Globe are popular choices for growing from seed, although it's worth checking the eventual size and growing requirements of your chosen variety.

How to Sow

Globe artichoke seeds are quite large and easy to handle.

Fill small pots or deep modules with good-quality seed compost and sow one seed per pot around 1–2cm deep.

Cover with compost, water gently and place somewhere warm.

A temperature around 18–21°C is useful for germination.

Keep the compost moist but not soaking wet. In suitable conditions, seedlings usually appear within 10–21 days, although some may take longer.

Once they've germinated, give them plenty of light.

Artichokes develop substantial root systems, so I prefer starting them individually rather than sowing lots together in a seed tray.

Growing Seedlings On

Young artichokes grow steadily once they're established.

Keep them somewhere bright and frost-free and water when the compost begins to dry.

As the roots fill their pots, move the plants into slightly larger containers. Don't leave them badly pot-bound while waiting for outdoor conditions to improve.

The leaves soon begin developing the distinctive silvery appearance of mature artichoke plants.

Before planting outside, harden them off gradually over a week or two. Plants raised in a greenhouse or indoors need time to adjust to cooler temperatures, wind and direct sunshine.

Don't be tempted to plant them out too early. Young artichokes are more vulnerable to frost than established plants.

Planting Out and Spacing

Globe artichokes need a sunny, sheltered position with reasonably fertile, well-drained soil.

They're substantial plants, so think carefully about where you're going to put them. A mature artichoke can easily reach over a metre in height and spread.

Prepare the ground by incorporating some well-rotted compost or manure before planting.

Space plants around 90–120cm apart.

That may look like an enormous gap around a small seedling, but artichokes soon develop large leaves that occupy plenty of room.

Plant outside once the danger of severe frost has passed, usually during May or early June depending on where you garden.

Water thoroughly after planting.

I like the idea of growing artichokes towards the back of a vegetable bed or amongst ornamental plants, where their dramatic foliage can be appreciated even when they aren't producing buds.

Growing Globe Artichokes in Pots

You can grow globe artichokes in containers, although they're not the easiest vegetable for a small patio.

They develop large root systems and substantial foliage, so a little decorative pot simply won't be enough.

Choose a large, deep container of at least 40–50 litres, with good drainage holes. Larger containers will make watering and long-term care easier.

Use good-quality multipurpose compost, ideally with some added loam to help retain moisture and nutrients.

Position the pot somewhere sunny and sheltered.

Container-grown artichokes need more regular watering and feeding than plants in the ground.

If you're growing in a particularly small space, I'd probably choose a more compact vegetable. Artichokes are magnificent plants, but they certainly don't believe in travelling light.

Watering and Feeding

Globe artichokes appreciate reasonably consistent moisture while they're growing strongly.

Water young plants regularly while their roots establish.

Established plants can tolerate some dry weather, but a thorough watering during prolonged dry spells will help support healthy growth and developing flower buds.

Artichokes are fairly hungry plants compared with many of the herbs and wildflowers we've been growing.

Adding well-rotted compost around established plants in spring helps maintain soil fertility.

A general-purpose fertiliser applied according to the instructions can also be useful as growth begins.

Container plants may benefit from occasional liquid feeding during the growing season.

Avoid allowing the soil to become permanently waterlogged, particularly during winter when the plants aren't actively growing.

Harvesting Globe Artichokes

The part we eat is the immature flower bud, harvested before it opens.

Once plants are established, they'll begin producing large buds at the ends of their flowering stems.

Harvest when the buds are well developed but the scales are still tightly closed.

Use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut the bud, leaving a short length of stem attached.

The main central bud is usually the largest. Smaller buds may develop on side shoots and can be harvested afterwards.

Don't leave buds on the plant for too long if you're planning to eat them. Once the scales begin opening and the flower develops, the bud becomes tougher and less suitable for the kitchen.

Harvesting usually takes place during summer, although timing varies with the variety and growing conditions.

You can also leave a few buds to flower. The large purple blooms are spectacular and particularly attractive to bees.

Looking After Established Plants

Once established, globe artichokes can remain productive for several years.

Remove weeds around the plants and apply a mulch of compost or other organic matter in spring.

After harvesting has finished, old flowering stems can be cut back.

New shoots often develop around the base of established plants. These can eventually be used to propagate new plants.

Older clumps may become congested or less productive after several years.

Rather than keeping an ageing plant indefinitely, you can lift and divide suitable established clumps in spring, ensuring each division has healthy shoots and roots.

Artichokes can also be propagated from rooted offsets, which is useful if you want new plants with the same characteristics as the parent.

Protecting Artichokes Through Winter

Globe artichokes are perennial, but cold, wet winters can be a problem, particularly for young plants.

In milder parts of the UK, established plants may survive winter without much difficulty if the soil drains well.

In colder or exposed gardens, some protection is worthwhile.

After the foliage has died back, remove decaying leaves and apply a loose layer of straw or other insulating material around the crown to help protect it from severe frost.

Avoid packing wet material tightly against the centre of the plant, as this can encourage rotting.

Container-grown artichokes are more vulnerable because the roots are exposed to cold from all sides. Move pots into a sheltered position or an unheated greenhouse during severe weather if possible.

In spring, remove winter protection gradually as new growth begins.

Common Problems

Slugs and Snails

Young artichoke plants can be damaged by slugs and snails, particularly during damp spring weather.

Keep an eye on seedlings and newly planted artichokes until they're established.

Aphids

Aphids can gather around tender leaves and developing flower buds.

Small colonies can often be washed away with water or removed by hand. Ladybirds and other beneficial insects may also help control them.

Plants Not Producing Buds

Young artichokes may not produce a harvest during their first year.

Give plants time to establish. Insufficient sunshine, poor soil or prolonged drought can also reduce bud production.

Small or Poorly Developed Buds

Crowded plants, dry conditions or exhausted soil can result in smaller buds.

Give artichokes enough space and maintain reasonably consistent moisture while the buds are developing.

Plants Rotting Over Winter

Cold, waterlogged soil can damage artichoke crowns.

Good drainage is particularly important during winter. Avoid leaving thick layers of wet, decaying foliage around the centre of the plant.

Frost Damage

Severe frost can damage leaves and growing points, particularly on young plants.

Protect vulnerable crowns during cold weather and wait until spring before deciding whether an apparently damaged plant has survived. New shoots may still emerge from the base.

Globe artichokes are one of those vegetables I'd grow even if I wasn't particularly interested in eating them. The silvery foliage is impressive, the buds are delicious when harvested young and the purple flowers are wonderful for bees.

Give them sunshine, plenty of room and a little protection during difficult winters, and a healthy plant can reward you for several years.

And if you leave one or two buds to flower, you'll see why artichokes deserve a place in the ornamental garden as well as the vegetable patch.