What it is
Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus scolymus) is in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family. A dramatic, edible thistle. In Texas it's often grown as an annual from transplants for spring buds.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it rich, well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.5–7.5. Space plants about 36–48 in apart. Expect roughly 85–100 (annual culture). Tender perennial / annual in TX.
How it's used
Artichoke is used: steamed, grilled, braised.
🔎 How to identify it
- Huge silvery deeply-cut leaves
- Spiky green flower buds
- Purple thistle bloom if unharvested
Edibility
PartsFlower buds (heart and base of leaves)
UsesSteamed, grilled, braised
CautionEat buds before they open into the purple flower.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.