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Summary
The globe artichoke is a prized gourmet vegetable known for its flower buds, harvested before the flowers open. The edible parts include the base of the bracts and the heart. The buds are typically boiled before consumption, and while they are mild in flavour, they are considered somewhat difficult to eat due to their structure. Baby artichokes grow on lateral stems and are often pickled or used in soups and stews. The flowering stems can be peeled and eaten raw or cooked, offering a sweet, nutty flavour. The young leaf stems are used as a celery substitute, though they are blanched to reduce bitterness. The leaves are pretty bitter, and while they can be cooked, they are less commonly consumed. The dried flowers can be used as a rennet substitute for curdling plant milks.
Each plant typically produces 5 to 6 main heads per year starting from the second year, with additional smaller heads appearing later in the season. Globe artichokes thrive in light, warm soils with an open, sunny position. While they favour sheltered spots, they are reasonably resistant to wind and tolerate saline conditions. Divide the suckers every three years to renew the plants and maintain productivity. Artichokes are a magnet for bees.
The globe artichoke is native to parts of Southern Europe, specifically Albania, Greece, Croatia, Italy (including Sardinia and Sicily), Spain (including the Balearic Islands), and France (especially Corsica).
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) is closely related to the globe artichoke but is grown primarily for its stalks rather than flower buds. While globe artichokes are popular in delicate dishes, cardoons are commonly used in hearty stews and gratin. Cardoons are more drought-tolerant and better suited for drier conditions. In contrast, globe artichokes prefer a moist environment during their growing season.
Physical Characteristics
cynara scolymus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
This name is a synonym of Cynara cardunculus subsp. flavescens Wiklund.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Stem
Edible Uses: Curdling agent
Flower buds - raw or cooked[2, 7, 15, 16, 27, 37, 183]. Used before the flowers open[171]. The flavour is mild and pleasant[K]. Gobe artichokes are considered to be a gourmet food but they are very fiddly to eat. The buds are harvested just before the flowers open, they are then usually boiled before being eaten. Only the base of each bract is eaten, plus the 'heart' or base that the petals grow from [K]. Small, or baby artichokes, that are produced on lateral stems can be pickled or used in soups and stews[183]. Plants yield about 5 to 6 main heads per year from their second year onwards[200]. Flowering stems - peeled and eaten raw or cooked. A sweet nutty flavour[183]. Young leaf stems - a celery substitute[200]. They are normally blanched to remove the bitterness and then boiled or eaten raw[183]. We find them too bitter to be enjoyable[K]. Leaves - cooked. A bitter flavour[15, 61]. The dried flowers are a rennet substitute, used for curdling plant milks[4, 183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anticholesterolemic Antirheumatic Appetizer Cholagogue Digestive Diuretic Hypoglycaemic Lithontripic
The globe artichoke has become important as a medicinal herb in recent years following the discovery of cynarin. This bitter-tasting compound, which is found in the leaves, improves liver and gall bladder function, stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, especially bile, and lowers blood cholesterol levels[238, 254]. The leaves are anticholesterolemic, antirheumatic, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic, hypoglycaemic and lithontripic[7, 21, 165]. They are used internally in the treatment of chronic liver and gall bladder diseases, jaundice, hepatitis, arteriosclerosis and the early stages of late-onset diabetes[238, 254]. The leaves are best harvested just before the plant flowers, and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Cynara scolymus (Cynara cardunculus subsp. flavescens)for liver and gallbladder complaints, loss of appetite (see [302] for critics of commission E).
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Dye
Agroforestry uses:
They can be used as a hedge or border plant, and the dense foliage can provide a habitat for beneficial insects.
A dark grey dye is obtained from the leaves[7]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Both Cardoon and Globe Artichoke produce large, vibrant flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting various pollinators like bees and butterflies.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The edible parts of these plants (flower buds, leaves, and stems) provide food for humans and some wildlife. The dense foliage can offer some shelter, but they are not typically used for nesting or roosting.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – The plants can create a habitat for invertebrates, particularly in leaf litter. Their growth habit can provide ground cover, offering some protection and habitat for various species.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – There is no significant evidence that Cardoon or Globe Artichoke serves as a pest confuser through smell.
Special Uses
Attracts Wildlife Food Forest
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a light warm soil and an open position in full sun[15, 16, 33, 37]. Requires plenty of moisture in the growing season and a good rich soil[200]. Prefers a sheltered position[200] but plants are reasonably wind resistant[K]. Plants are tolerant of saline conditions[4]. Plants succeed in cool climates though they may need protection in cold winters[200], they are unlikely to thrive in the north of Britain. Wet winters are far more likely to cause problems than cold ones[4, K]. The globe artichoke is often cultivated in the garden and sometimes commercially for its edible flower buds, there are some named varieties[183, 200]. It is best to renew the plants by division of the suckers every 3 years but they do live for a number of years[200]. The plant has recently been reclassified (1999) as not having specific status but being part of C. cardunculus. However, since it is distinct enough from the gardener's viewpoint (having a much larger seedhead) we have decided to leave it with its own entry for the time being[K]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. The flowering plant is a magnet for bees[108]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen - fibrous or tap root [2-1]. Cardoon stalks are typically harvested in late summer to autumn, while Globe Artichokes are harvested in late spring to summer.
Both plants flower in late summer to early autumn. Cardoon and Globe Artichoke have moderate growth rates, taking about 2-3 years to establish fully and produce significant yields.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually quick and good, prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions during the summer. It would be prudent to give the plants some winter protection in their first year. The seed can also be sown in situ in April. Sow the seed 2cm deep, putting 2 or 3 seeds at each point that you want a plant[1]. Protect the seed from mice[1]. Division of suckers. This is best done in November and the suckers overwintered in a cold frame then planted out in April. Division can also be carried out in March/April with the divisions being planted out straight into their permanent positions, though the plants will be smaller in their first year.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Globe Artichoke
Native Range
EUROPE: Albania, Greece, Croatia, Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Spain (Baleares), France (Corse)
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Botanical References
200
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