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Holly's Homestead — Perennial Vegetable

Globe Artichoke

Cynara cardunculus · Daisy family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Perennial, from seed, seedling, or division
MATURITY Year 2 for full crop
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular, deep
Soil pH
6.5–7.5
Spacing
1–1.2m
Depth
as per pot/division

01A big, permanent clump

Globe artichoke forms a large architectural clump 1.5m across at maturity. Give it a permanent, sunny spot — it will produce for 5+ years.

02Planting

Method
Plant divisions or seedlings into their permanent position.
Soil
Rich, deep, well-drained.
Timing
Plant in autumn or early spring.

03Growing care

  • Water deeply and regularly, especially through bud formation.
  • Mulch heavily to retain moisture around the deep root system.
  • Feed generously with compost each spring.
  • Cut spent flower stalks back after harvest to encourage further buds.

04Problems

  • Aphids — cluster on developing buds; hose off.
  • Slugs and snails — target new spring growth; hand-pick at dusk.
  • Crown rot — waterlogged soil; ensure sharp drainage.
  • Small buds — under-watering or nutrient-poor soil.

05Harvest & storage

Signs
Buds are plump and tight, before the scales begin to open.
Method
Cut with a sharp knife, leaving a few centimetres of stem.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge, up to a week.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
SunflowerBeans
Avoid nearby
Close underplanting
Rotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial clump; divide every 3–5 years to renew vigour.