How to Grow Artichoke 'Imperial Star'

Artichoke 'Imperial Star'

Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus

vegetable

Imperial Star is a globe artichoke cultivar renowned for producing large, tender flower buds year-round, even in cooler climates. This compact variety matures quickly and reliably produces multiple harvests per season. It's one of the most cold-hardy and productive artichoke varieties available.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily

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Water: Consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.

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Spacing: 24-36 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 70-100 days from transplant to first harvest

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Planting depth: Seeds: 1/4 inch deep; transplants: plant at same depth as cell

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure perlite or sand for drainage mulch to retain moisture

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 7-10; can be grown as annual in zones 5-6 with proper care

7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 true leaves developing. Growth is slow initially.

Maintain consistent moisture and warm soil (70-75°F). Provide bright light. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.

Vegetative

4-6 weeks

Plant develops deeply lobed, silvery-green leaves and establishes a strong root system. Stems become thick and woody.

Maintain full sun exposure, consistent watering, and well-spaced plants for air circulation. Begin applying mulch around base. Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer.

Budding

2-3 weeks

Prominent terminal flower buds form at the top of main stems and lateral branches. Buds are tight and green.

Increase nitrogen fertilizer slightly to support bud production. Maintain consistent water supply. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves.

Harvest-Ready

1-2 weeks per bud

Buds reach full size (3-4 inches diameter for main head, smaller for secondary buds). Scales are tightly closed and green with slight purple tint.

Check daily for harvest readiness. Keep well-watered. Harvest before buds begin opening or showing brown spots.

Post-Harvest Production

8-12 weeks

After removing main head, plant produces lateral secondary buds along the stem. Subsequent harvests are smaller but continuous.

Deadhead spent flowers immediately. Keep well-fertilized and watered. Continue harvesting secondary buds for 2-3 months.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

garlic onions parsley mint chamomile thyme tarragon strawberries

Avoid planting near:

fennel cabbage family plants (except garlic/onions) beans

Common Pests

Hand-pick affected buds, remove infested plant material, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), row covers on young plants
Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage beneficial insects
Increase humidity, water foliage in morning, neem oil, miticide if severe
Yellow sticky traps, neem oil, insecticidal soap, reflective mulch
and
Hand-pick at night, beer traps, copper barriers, diatomaceous earth around base

Uses

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Steaming and boiling

Culinary

The tender hearts and inner leaves are traditionally boiled or steamed whole, then served with drawn butter or aioli for dipping. The heart is a prized delicacy. [source]

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Roasting and grilling

Culinary

Halved or quartered artichokes can be roasted with olive oil and garlic until tender and crispy, or grilled whole. The outer leaves become tender and caramelized. [source]

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Liver and digestive support

Medicinal

Artichoke leaves contain compounds like caffeoylquinic acid and inulin that support liver function and digestive health. Traditionally used as a bitter tonic. [source]

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Dips and prepared dishes

Culinary

Artichoke hearts are a classic ingredient in spinach-artichoke dips, pasta dishes, pizzas, and Mediterranean mezze platters. [source]

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Floral arrangements

Household

Unharvested artichoke flowers develop stunning purple-blue thistle-like blooms that are striking in fresh or dried arrangements. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when buds are tight, fully sized (3-4 inches for main head), and still green. Cut with 1-2 inches of stem attached using a sharp knife. Harvest in morning when buds are firm. Continue harvesting secondary buds for 2-3 months. Main head produces most tender buds; secondary buds are smaller but still delicious.

Fun Facts

🌱 Imperial Star is the only artichoke variety that reliably produces in the first year from seed, making it ideal for impatient gardeners or short growing seasons.
🌱 Artichokes are technically the flower buds of a thistle plant; if left unharvested, they bloom into spectacular 2-4 inch purple-blue flowers that attract pollinators.
🌱 A single artichoke plant can produce 8-12 buds per season with proper care, making it surprisingly prolific for a perennial vegetable.

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