The globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a perennial thistle cultivated for its large, edible flower bud. The number of buds a single plant produces varies significantly based on climate, care, and maturity. Understanding the plant’s life cycle and harvesting process helps predict and influence its output. The artichoke can be a rewarding crop for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
Typical Yield Per Season
A single, mature, and well-maintained artichoke plant typically produces between six and ten harvestable buds during a single main season. Production occurs in a distinct sequence, not all at once. The first bud to form is the terminal bud, which grows at the top of the main stalk and is the largest and most prized artichoke of the harvest.
After the terminal bud is harvested, smaller lateral or secondary buds begin to develop on the side shoots below. These subsequent buds are generally harvested in several sweeps over a period of weeks as they reach an acceptable commercial size. Although the terminal bud is the largest, the lateral buds contribute the bulk of the total quantity produced by the plant.
First-year production is usually much lower than average because the plant focuses on establishing a robust root system and foliage. Substantial yields typically begin in the second year of growth.
Life Cycle and Long-Term Production
The total number of artichokes produced is heavily influenced by whether the plant is grown as a perennial or an annual crop. In mild climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 11), the artichoke is a true perennial that can remain productive for five to ten years. Established perennial plants enter summer dormancy after the main spring harvest and resume growth the following year.
In regions with colder winters, the artichoke must be grown as an annual and replanted each year. Specialized varieties, such as ‘Imperial Star,’ can produce a limited first-year harvest without vernalization, which is a necessary cold period. Annual cultivation results in a shorter, more concentrated harvesting period compared to the multi-year perennial cycle.
For perennial plants, cutting the spent flower stalks back to the ground after the primary spring harvest encourages a second, smaller flush of buds. This practice promotes a subsequent harvest cycle in the late summer or fall, maximizing seasonal yield.
Maximizing Your Harvest Quantity
To achieve the higher end of the typical yield range, growers must optimize the plant’s environment and actively manage its growth. Consistent, deep watering is required, especially when flower buds are forming, as moisture stress can cause loose buds or physiological disorders like black tip. The artichoke is a heavy feeder, requiring fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Regular fertilization throughout the growing season supports the large volume of foliage and bud development. Applying a balanced fertilizer, particularly one high in nitrogen during active growth, maintains the necessary vigor for high yields. Proper spacing is also essential; established plants should be spaced three to four feet apart to prevent crowding and ensure adequate energy for each plant.
Managing Suckers
Actively managing the plant’s side shoots, often called suckers, concentrates the plant’s energy into bud formation. Removing the weaker suckers directs resources toward producing fewer, higher-quality primary and secondary buds. This strategic pruning prevents the plant from depleting energy on excessive foliage or non-viable growth, directly increasing the quantity of harvestable artichokes.