Globe Artichoke

Planted at Mount Vernon

Upper Garden

Fruit Garden & Nursery

Lower Garden

Hardiness Zones

Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

Artichokes have large silvery green leaves that make them a striking addition to the garden. Their flower buds are traditionally used for culinary purposes, but if allowed to open offer large, brilliant purple flowers.

Purchase

Seeds available to purchase from Mount Vernon

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Latin Name

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

Family

Asteraceae

Type of Plant

Vegetables

Perennials

Bloom Season

June - November

Seasons

Summer

Spring

Specifications

Max Height: 5'

Max Spread: 3'

Uses

Sunlight Exposure

Full Sun

Colors

Native Range

Chile, Ecuador, United States

History

In September of 1794, Washington wrote to William Pearce to request artichoke seeds for Martha, and was growing them in the lower garden.

Other Details

Pollinator

Grown by Washington

Sold at Mount Vernon

Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

Bring Washington's Garden Home

Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.