Light: Full sun during the cool season; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix, especially as temperatures rise.
Water: Water deeply and regularly during active growth, allowing the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid drought stress during bud development. Reduce watering during summer dormancy without letting the crown completely desiccate.
Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Mulch to moderate root temperatures, keeping mulch away from the crown.
Mature size: 3–5 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide; flowering stalks may reach 6 feet.
Bloom: Usually spring to early summer in Phoenix. Bud production improves after winter chilling; first-year production can be unreliable. Harvest edible buds before they open.
Evergreen / deciduous: Herbaceous perennial; often summer-dormant or partially deciduous in Phoenix heat, with new growth returning in cooler weather.
Growth rate: Fast during cool weather with adequate moisture and fertility; slows or stops in extreme summer heat.