Imperial Star Artichoke
High yields of sweet mild tasting flower buds 4 1 2 in diameter are very slow to open when mature and are produced the first year.
Imperial star artichoke. Grow as a dramatic part of an edible landscape or in rows. Unlike traditional types suited to dry mediterranean climates imperial star is a practical choice for the home gardener. Their ideal climate is a moist coastal area. Artichoke flowers are an excellent delicacy when boiled or steamed until tender served hot and the inner petal tips and hearts dipped in melted lemon butter some of my family like to dip them in mayonnaise.
Harvest these beauties while still tightly closed to enjoy their unique nutty taste. Cynara scolymus typically artichokes are perennials in zone 7 and above but his variety was bred specially for northern climates to produce well developed buds in the first season. Perennial in zones 7 9. A vernalization is required in the north for first year buds set the seedlings out for 10 days at temperatures of 45 50 degrees this.
Older artichoke varieties can take multiple seasons to produce what you get in just one season with imperial star with 3 times the yield. A green artichoke specifically bred for annual production imperial star will produce well developed artichokes the first year from seed. Imperial star heavy producer produces in the first season thornless rich flavor well suited to grow as an annual if you can t overwinter. Tall with a similar spread.
Cynara scolymus as with most varieties of artichokes imperial star is a beautiful edible that bears rosette buds that taste delicious. Perennial in zone 7 otherwise considered an annual or biennial imperial star produces faster and higher yields than other strains. Attractive plants with grey green foliage grow 4 ft. Up to 4 in diameter the 6 to 8 buds are smooth and almost spineless.
Plants become 1 1 2 3 tall and have an open growth habit. Grow your own artichokes and enjoy the large edible flower buds at their prime. Even in cold climates it produces delicious artichokes within 90 days of transplanting to the garden. Unlike most common cultivars imperial star is thornless.
Each typically produces 1 2 primary buds which average 3 4 in diameter and 5 7 smaller secondary buds. Imperial star artichokes were originally developed to meet the needs of commercial growers. Thornless for easy picking. In california where the bulk of commercial artichoke production is located perennial artichokes are harvested from spring through fall.
Early green annual for summer harvests.