Artichokes are bold, architectural plants that dominate the space around them. After growing artichokes for years in my Sonoma Valley garden—both in wide beds using the NEW method and in smaller raised beds—I’ve learned that companion planting with artichokes is less about close interplanting and more about choosing the right neighbors. Since artichokes spread three to four feet and cast dense shade, smart companions should either benefit from their presence or avoid competing with their size and nutrient needs.

Here is a practical guide based on real-world experience: the best companion plant, additional good options, and which plants to keep at a distance.

Table of Contents

The Best Companion Plant for Artichokes: Borage

If I had to choose just one companion plant for artichokes, it would be borage.

Why Borage Works So Well

1. Attracts pollinators.
Artichokes don’t need heavy pollination to produce edible buds, but once buds open into purple flowers, bees flock to them. Borage brings pollinators even earlier in the season, boosting biodiversity and activity around the artichoke patch.

2. Improves soil conditions.
Borage is often considered a soil builder. It mines nutrients from deeper layers and returns them to the soil as its lush foliage breaks down.

3. Leaves make excellent mulch.
A favorite technique of mine is cutting borage back midseason and using the nutrient-rich leaves as mulch around my artichokes.

4. Compatible growth habit.
Borage grows on the edges of artichoke rows without competing for root space or light.

Other Good Companion Plants for Artichokes

While borage is the standout, several plants play well with artichokes when given proper spacing.

1. Herbs

Thyme – stays low, tolerates dry edges, and attracts beneficial insects
Sage – thrives in similar Mediterranean-like conditions
Coriander/cilantro – grows cool and quick, finishing early before artichokes expand

In my garden, thyme is especially useful as a living mulch that suppresses weeds without interfering with artichoke roots.

2. Flowers

Marigolds – help deter soil pests and attract beneficial insects
Yarrow – draws beneficial insects and stands up well to artichoke shade
Nasturtiums – ramble around the base and attract aphids away from artichokes

I often tuck marigolds at the ends of artichoke rows—easy to reach, easy to deadhead.

3. Cover Crops

Good for off-season planting around or before artichokes:

Fava beans (fix nitrogen and have deep roots that open soil)
Crimson clover (for weed suppression and nitrogen fixing)

Favas have been especially effective in my raised bed rotations, leaving the soil friable and rich before transplanting artichokes in early spring.

What Not to Plant Near Artichokes

Some plants simply do not pair well with artichokes due to their size, nutrient demands, or light needs.

1. Root Crops

Avoid planting:

Carrots
Beets
Radishes
Parsnips

Artichokes shade the soil and compete heavily with root crops, leading to misshapen or stunted roots. In my experience, root crops perform best far from artichoke beds.

2. Heavy Feeders

Keep these nutrient-demanding crops away:

Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
Corn

Artichokes already require rich soil; pairing them with other heavy feeders results in uneven growth and smaller buds.

3. Moisture-Loving Greens

Avoid:

Lettuce
Spinach
Arugula

These greens bolt quickly in the warm, dry conditions that artichokes prefer, and artichoke shade leads to elongated, weak growth.

4. Nightshades

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants dislike the cool soil conditions that artichokes favor early in the season. They also compete for nutrients and light.

I’ve tested tomatoes near artichokes more than once—each time, the tomatoes lagged behind and produced poorly.

Final Thoughts

Artichokes thrive when surrounded by plants that complement—rather than compete with—their large size, deep roots, and nutrient needs. Borage stands out as the single best companion plant, improving soil, attracting pollinators, and staying out of the artichoke’s way. With thoughtful spacing and smart choices, artichoke beds can support beneficial insects and overall garden health without sacrificing bud quality or yield.