Also known as Artichoke · 31 saves
Cynara
Cynara, the genus most gardeners know as artichoke. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Cynara varieties
Species of Cynara
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cynara in Sow
Save the Cynara you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cynara
Whats common across all Cynara varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Cynara year
- PlantMarch and April100% of varieties
Plant crowns or transplants after the last hard frost
- HarvestMay–July100% of varieties
Cut flower buds (artichokes) when tight and firm, before scales open
- FertilizeMarch–July100% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Winter PrepOctober and November100% of varieties
Cut back stems and cover crowns heavily with straw or mulch for protection
- Spring CleanupFebruary75% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage to the ground before new growth starts
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth
- Apply organic compost annually to enrich soil
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods 💧
- Prune dead or damaged leaves to maintain plant health ✂️
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb the roots during the growing season
- Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers which may promote excessive foliage
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Cynara
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and curled leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Caterpillars | Chewed leaves and holes | Handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite adequate watering | Reduce watering and improve soil drainage |
Making more Cynara
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs within 14 days
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Divide into smaller sections with roots attached
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil
Cynara questions
How many types of Cynara are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Cynara varieties. The most popular — ranked by 31 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cynara grow in?
Across its varieties, Cynara covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cynara bloom?
Most Cynara varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, early to mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cynara should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.