About
An architectural perennial, Up to 1.8m tall, with grey-green leaves. Flower buds open to purple, thistle-like flowers in summer and autumn. Grown for its edible, fleshy, flower buds covered with hard, purple scales.
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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 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 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 slugs, snails and blackfly (black aphid)
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free