When to Plant Artichokes (Globe) in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow July to November. Right now in September you can sow.

Also called globe artichoke.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Artichokes (Globe) guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Artichokes (Globe)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Globe artichokes are large, thistle-like perennials originating from the Mediterranean. They produce edible flower buds over a 4-5 year productive lifespan. Best suited to temperate and Mediterranean climates in Australia; they struggle in tropical heat and high humidity.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - - S S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D T/D -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is Artichokes (Globe) sowing time in Brisbane?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Subtropical zone right now, Artichokes (Globe) included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 15–20°C) ✗ Outside optimal range

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Artichokes (Globe) in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant suckers or seedlings February-April for winter/spring harvest. Imperial Star was specifically bred to crop without vernalisation and is the best choice for subtropical areas.

Soil
Well-drained, deep, fertile sandy loam enriched with compost and aged manure
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun (minimum 6 hours direct)
Spacing
100cm apart, 150cm between rows
Watering
Deep watering twice weekly during bud development. Reduce in winter dormancy. Consistent moisture is critical during bud formation or buds will be small and tough.

Companion plants: Sunflower, Tarragon, Peas, Cabbage family

Avoid planting near: Other Asteraceae competing for nutrients

Subtropical Growing Tips for Artichokes (Globe)

Recommended Varieties

  • Green Globe Improved
  • Imperial Star (bred for mild winters)
  • Violetto di Romagna

Key Challenges

  • Marginal winter chill
  • Summer humidity causing crown rot
  • Erratic bud production

Pro Tips

  • Imperial Star is the only reliable variety for SEQ without a cold winter
  • Treat as an annual or biennial rather than a long-lived perennial
  • Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Raised beds strongly recommended

Harvesting Artichokes (Globe)

When ready: Buds should be tight, compact, and heavy for their size. Bracts (scales) should still be tightly closed. The main central bud is harvested first at about 8-10cm diameter, which promotes development of smaller side buds.

How to harvest: Cut stem 5-8cm below the bud with sharp secateurs. Harvest in the morning. Once bracts start to open or turn purple at tips, the bud is past prime and will be tough and fibrous.

Where to next

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

Get the Full Interactive Guide

Track your garden, get real-time pest alerts, and plan around your zone's weather.

Open the planting dashboard Join Garden Buddy

Common Questions About Artichokes (Globe)

When do you plant artichokes in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does artichokes grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Jul to Nov. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

What else is artichokes called?

Artichokes is the usual Australian name. Overseas seed packets and recipes call it globe artichoke. Same plant, same growing advice.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.