Artichoke
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Dramatic architectural plant producing large, edible flower buds. Needs winter protection in cold climates but can live for several years.
Overview
Companion Planting
Sunflower
TarragonToxicity
Globe artichoke is listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Edible buds and hearts are safe for humans and pets. Leaves contain cynarin and sesquiterpene lactones that may cause mild stomach upset if consumed in very large quantities, but the plant is not classified as toxic.
Planting Tips
1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.
Care Tip: Mulch heavily with 10-15 cm of straw or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Cut spent stalks to ground level after harvest to encourage secondary bud production. In cold climates (below -5°C), cut back plants in autumn and cover the crown with a thick mulch layer for winter protection.
Common Pests
Artichoke Plume Moth
Symptoms: Larvae bore into developing buds and stems, causing wilting, distorted buds, and frass (excrement) visible at entry holes. Flower heads may fail to develop or appear ragged.
Treatment: Remove and destroy infested buds promptly. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray to young larvae. In severe cases, use a targeted insecticide approved for edible crops.
Prevention: Inspect buds regularly from late spring onward; remove plant debris after harvest to eliminate overwintering pupae. Encourage natural predators such as parasitoid wasps.
Aphids
Symptoms: Dense colonies on undersides of leaves, stems, and developing buds; curled and yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew residue leading to sooty mold growth.
Treatment: Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Severe infestations may require pyrethrin-based sprays.
Prevention: Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization which promotes soft growth attractive to aphids. Companion plant with nasturtiums or chives.
Slugs and Snails
Symptoms: Irregular holes chewed in leaves and young shoots, especially at night; silvery slime trails on foliage and soil surface. Seedlings and young transplants are most vulnerable.
Treatment: Hand-pick in the evening or early morning; apply iron phosphate-based slug pellets around plant bases. Set beer traps to attract and drown slugs.
Prevention: Remove garden debris and hiding spots; apply a ring of crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, or copper tape around plants. Water in the morning so soil surface dries by evening.
Common Diseases
Botrytis Gray Mold
Symptoms: Gray-brown fuzzy mold on buds, bracts, and stems; water-soaked lesions on flower heads that turn soft and rot. Occurs most in cool, humid conditions.
Treatment: Remove and destroy all infected plant parts immediately. Apply a fungicide containing copper or a biological control agent (Trichoderma) during humid periods.
Prevention: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants 90-120 cm apart; avoid overhead watering; harvest buds promptly before they open. Remove plant debris at end of season.
Powdery Mildew
Symptoms: White to grayish powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces; affected leaves may curl, yellow, and dry out prematurely. Reduces photosynthesis and plant vigor.
Treatment: Apply sulfur-based or potassium bicarbonate fungicides at first sign of infection. Neem oil sprays can also help control spread.
Prevention: Provide full sun and good air circulation; avoid crowding plants. Water at the base rather than overhead. Remove and destroy severely affected leaves.
Verticillium Wilt
Symptoms: One-sided wilting of leaves and stems; yellowing and browning of lower leaves progressing upward; vascular discoloration visible when stems are cut lengthwise. Plants may be stunted.
Treatment: No chemical cure is available. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Do not compost diseased material. Solarize soil in affected beds during summer.
Prevention: Practice 4-5 year crop rotation; avoid planting where other susceptible crops (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) have grown. Choose disease-resistant cultivars and ensure good soil drainage.