Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus)
Family: Asteraceae
Artichokes are the developing flower heads of Cynara cardunculus, a large, perennial thistle plant. Cultivated in the Mediterranean region for hundreds of years, artichokes are now grown in warm temperate regions everywhere. Home gardeners grow this species for its unusual appearance and for the challenge of producing edible artichokes. If the flower heads are not harvested, the plant seeds readily and is extremely invasive. When it escapes from cultivation, the seedlings revert back to the non-domesticated form of Cynara cardunculus with spiny flower heads. It has overtaken natural areas of the North America, South America, and Australia.
Tags:
economic, invasive, perennial, sun, vegetable
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Cultivation: Large perennial for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9. Grows best in full sun with moderate moisture.
Size: Reaches 6' to 8' (1.8 m to 2.4 m) tall with a spread of 4' to 6' (1.2 m to 1.8 m).
Flowering: Blooms from early summer through late summer.
Propagation: seeds.
Size: Reaches 6' to 8' (1.8 m to 2.4 m) tall with a spread of 4' to 6' (1.2 m to 1.8 m).
Flowering: Blooms from early summer through late summer.
Propagation: seeds.