About
An architectural perennial, up to 1.8m tall, with grey-green leaves. Grown for its edible, fleshy, green flower buds covered with green scales, opening to thistle-like purple flowers in summer and autumn. This variety has been specifically bred for large and more consistent crops with fewer sharp spines.
About the genus
Cynara are robust thistle-like plants with grey-hairy, pinnately lobed leaves and globose purple flower-heads
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; shelter from strong winds. In very cold winters or more northern areas consider winter protection, apply a dry mulch such as bark or straw. See globe-artichokes cultivation for further advice
PruningCut down flowered stems and old foliage in autumn when cropping is over
PropagationPropagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, snails and blackfly (black aphid) when young
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free