Sowing & Planting Artichoke Seeds (UK Grower’s Guide)

Globe artichokes (Cynara scolymus) are long-lived perennials grown for their edible flower buds. In the UK they’re usually started from seed under cover in late winter to spring, then planted out after frost. Use this guide to know exactly when to sow artichoke seeds, how deep to plant, and how many seeds per hole, plus a simple step-by-step to get strong plants.

Quick Answer: When to Sow Artichoke Seeds (UK)

• Indoors with warmth: late February to April (ideal 18–21 °C). This is the best route across the UK.
• Unheated greenhouse/polytunnel: March to April (protect from cold snaps).
• Direct outdoors: Late April to May in milder areas only; use cloches/fleece. Germination is slower and less reliable than indoor sowing.
• Plant out: After last frost (typically mid-May to June), once seedlings are well rooted and hardened off.

Regional Pointers for Artichoke

How to Sow Artichoke Seeds

• Fill pots or trays with a good quality seed compost.
• Sow one seed per module or pot to avoid root disturbance.
• Depth: Cover seeds with 1 cm of fine compost or vermiculite.
• Water gently and keep at 18–21 °C until germination.
• Germination takes 10–21 days depending on warmth.
• Thin seedlings if two germinate in the same spot.
• Harden off before planting outside.

How Deep to Plant Artichoke Seeds

Artichoke seeds should be covered lightly with about 1 cm of compost. Too deep and they may fail to emerge, too shallow and seedlings can dry out.

How Many Artichoke Seeds Per Hole

Sow one seed per cell or pot for best results. If sowing in open ground, place two seeds per hole and thin to the strongest seedling once established.

Planting Out Artichokes

• Timing: Mid-May to June, once risk of frost has passed.
• Spacing: 90 cm apart in rows 90–100 cm apart.
• Soil: Rich, fertile, free-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
• Water: Keep well-watered during dry spells.

Recommended Varieties