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Seeds In A Cup®A LITTLE SEED. A NEW BEGINNING.

GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL

Artichoke

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.

THE PLANT NOTEBOOK

Artichoke care, from seed onward.

Botanical name
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Common names
Globe Artichoke
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Cynara
Species
C. cardunculus
01

Start growing

Sow in spring, full sun, deep rich soil.

02

Growing with your kit

Transplant from Seeds In A Cup® kit once second set of true leaves appear.

03

Propagation

Seeds, root cuttings, or division.

04

Seasonal growth & harvest

Blooms mid-summer; buds harvested before scales open.

05

Growing conditions

Sunny, well-drained maritime climates.

06

Weather & tolerances

High drought tolerance once established; sensitive to heavy frost.

07

Pests & plant health

Aphids, slugs. Use neem oil.

08

Plant safety

Generally safe; check for Asteraceae allergies.

09

Botanical features

Perennial thistle-like plant, 1.5–2 meters tall, silver-green leaves, edible buds.

10

Varieties

‘Green Globe’, ‘Imperial Star’.

11

Garden & everyday uses

Culinary hearts/bracts

12

Native range & distribution

Mediterranean region, North Africa, Southern Europe.

13

Conservation

Widely cultivated; not endangered.

14

Name origins

From the Arabic ‘al-karsufa’, referring to the plant’s thistle-like appearance.

15

History

Prized by ancient Greeks/Romans; Renaissance noble staple.

Grow artichoke in a cup.