Melinda Myers

Artichoke

Botanical Name

Cynara scolymus

Hardiness

Zones 6 to 9, annual elsewhere

Height

3 to 6 feet

Width

2 to 4 feet

Flowers

Mid fall: violet (thistle-like)

Light

Full sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained, fertile

Planting & Care

• Plant root divisions after last frost, space 2 to 3 feet apart in rows 2¹/₂ to 3 feet apart.
• Cut back and provide winter protection.
• Divide every 3 years.
• Plants usually don't flower their first year.

Problems

Aphids

Varieties

• Violetto - purple variety
• Imperial Star - 3' tall
• Grande Buerre - up to 9' tall