Our Price: $9.50
Culinary
Medicinal
Deer Resistant
Aroma
Container
Pollinator
ButterflyCynara scolymus
Transform your garden and kitchen with 'Imperial Star' artichoke plants! These stunning plants produce beautiful rosette buds with a rich, nutty flavor—perfect for culinary delights.
Thriving in zone 7 as a perennial, or as an annual in cooler areas, 'Imperial Star' offers quick growth and high yields in the first year. Enjoy them steamed, in pastas, sandwiches, or as pizza toppings for an unforgettable taste experience.
Standing at 4 feet tall with attractive gray-green foliage, these artichokes not only enhance your meals but also attract butterflies and helpful pollinators to your garden.
Elevate your gardening and culinary adventures—order your 'Imperial Star' artichoke plants today!
This delicious and ornamental perennial is known for its striking appearance and flavorful buds. Here are some tips to help you successfully grow your artichokes:
Select a sunny spot in your garden that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Artichokes thrive in bright conditions.
Artichokes prefer well-draining, rich soil. Amend your garden bed with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. A pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.
If you purchased young plants, transplant them after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F. Space the plants about 3 feet apart to allow for their large growth.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Artichokes need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work well to provide even moisture.
Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more stable soil temperature.
Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. This will support strong growth and yield.
Remove any dead or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth. Pruning also helps improve air circulation around the plants.
Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and snails. You can remove them by hand or use organic pest control methods. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Harvest your artichokes when they are still tightly closed and about 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Use a sharp knife to cut the buds from the plant, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
In colder regions, consider mulching around the base of the plants in the fall to protect them from freezing temperatures. In milder climates, artichokes can be left unprotected.
With these tips, you should be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful harvest of artichokes from your 'Imperial Star' plants.
Your garden is bursting with those magnificent artichoke plants, and we couldn't be more excited for you! 🎉 So, what can you do with these delightful greens? Let's dive in! 🥳
Once the buds are plump and green (usually before they start to flower), it’s time to get snipping! Grab a pair of garden shears and cut the artichokes at the base. Fresh from the garden is always the best!
Artichokes are super versatile in the kitchen! You can steam, grill, or roast them. Try them dipped in a yummy garlic butter sauce or tossed into a pasta dish. Yum! 😋
Blend up cooked artichokes with cream cheese, sour cream, and some spices for a creamy dip that’s perfect for parties or movie nights. 🥳
Chop them up and toss them into a fresh salad for an extra crunch. Pair them with some cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Refreshing! 🍋
If you have a bumper crop, consider pickling artichokes! They make a fantastic snack or addition to cheese boards. 🧀
Watch your plants keep on growing. Keep an eye on the flowers; those are a sight to see! They are not just beautiful but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. 🐝🦋
