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.
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
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
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.
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