Overview
Cynara scolymus is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Cynara, part of the Asteraceae family. Cynara scolymus grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and 6.5-7.5 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include edible garden and vegetable patch. It is native to Mediterranean region.
About
Cynara scolymus is a perennial herbaceous plant grown for its edible flower buds and place in the vegetable patch. Native to the Mediterranean region, it prefers a sunny position in fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It needs moist but well-drained conditions and is fully hardy in the UK (H7). It produces flowers in July to September.
About the genus
Cynara is a genus of thistle-like perennial plants in the family Asteraceae. They are native to the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, northwestern Africa, and the Canary Islands. The genus name comes from the Greek kynara, which means "artichoke".
Wikipedia contributors, "Cynara", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cynara
In the garden
Cynara scolymus is a perennial herbaceous member of the Asteraceae, native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated primarily for edible use. In the UK it is treated as a full-sun, long-season vegetable, valued where summer flowering and harvestable plant parts are wanted in an edible garden or vegetable patch. Flowering takes place from July to September. Site the plant in a position that receives full sun and provide a fertile, well-drained soil. Aim for a soil pH around 6.5–7.5 and keep soil consistently moist but free-draining; heavy, waterlogged ground should be avoided. The species is rated H7 for UK hardiness, meaning it is fully hardy and can be relied upon to survive typical UK winter conditions when established. Cynara scolymus suits dedicated edible areas and mixed vegetable beds where its seasonality and summer flowering can be integrated into planting plans. Where space allows, place it so its summer display and edible value are easy to access from paths or raised beds, enabling straightforward inclusion in a productive garden layout.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cynara
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- 6.5-7.5
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cynara scolymus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Suggested uses
- Edible garden, vegetable patch
- Native to
- Mediterranean region
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cynara scolymus
- Cultivation
- Requires rich soil and regular watering; mulch to retain moisture.
- Pruning
- Remove old flower stalks and dead leaves to encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Division, root cuttings, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cynara scolymus?
Requires rich soil and regular watering; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Cynara scolymus?
Cynara scolymus prefers full sun.
What soil does Cynara scolymus need?
Cynara scolymus grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers 6.5-7.5 soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Cynara scolymus?
Remove old flower stalks and dead leaves to encourage new growth.
Is Cynara scolymus hardy in the UK?
Cynara scolymus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cynara scolymus?
Division, root cuttings, seed.