When to plant artichoke 🌿
Artichoke takes 85–100 days to mature, spaced 48" apart at 0.5" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Start indoors | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | March 16 – March 30 | May 11 – May 25 | August 31 – September 28 |
| Zone 4 | March 6 – March 20 | May 1 – May 15 | August 21 – September 18 |
| Zone 5 | February 21 – March 6 | April 17 – May 1 | August 7 – September 4 |
| Zone 6 | February 5 – February 19 | April 1 – April 15 | July 22 – August 19 |
| Zone 7 | January 22 – February 5 | March 18 – April 1 | July 8 – August 5 |
| Zone 8 | January 5 – January 19 | March 1 – March 15 | June 21 – July 19 |
| Zone 9 | December 7 – December 21 | February 1 – February 15 | May 23 – June 20 |
| Zone 10 | November 21 – December 5 | January 16 – January 30 | May 7 – June 4 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized artichoke planting dates
Care tips
- Perennial in zones 7+, annual elsewhere.
- Vernalize seedlings with 2 weeks below 50°F to trigger budding.
- Cut buds with 2 in. of stem before they open.
Good companions
Pea, Cabbage, Sunflower.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
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Frequently asked questions
When should I start artichoke seeds indoors in zone 5?▾
In USDA zone 5, start artichoke seeds indoors between February 21 and March 6 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (May 1).
When should I start artichoke seeds indoors in zone 6?▾
In USDA zone 6, start artichoke seeds indoors between February 5 and February 19 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (April 15).
When should I start artichoke seeds indoors in zone 7?▾
In USDA zone 7, start artichoke seeds indoors between January 22 and February 5 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (April 1).
When should I start artichoke seeds indoors in zone 8?▾
In USDA zone 8, start artichoke seeds indoors between January 5 and January 19 — that's 8–10 weeks before the average last frost (March 15).
When can I transplant artichoke seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant artichoke seedlings about -2–0 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around April 1–April 15.
How long does artichoke take to grow?▾
Artichoke typically takes 85–100 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 14–18 weeks after the last spring frost.