Start indoors
8–12 weeks before transplant · ¼ inch deep.
70–80°F (21–26°C).
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Garden to table,
in the first year.
A seed worth growing
A green artichoke that crops in year one.
Imperial Star was bred to produce well-formed buds the first year from seed. Open plants 1½–3' tall usually give 1–2 main buds averaging 3–4" across, followed by 5–7 smaller side buds.
It comes back each year where winters stay mild (about Zone 7 and up); in colder gardens treat it as an annual.
About 85 days from transplanting. Open-pollinated.
In stock — 100 Seeds
Know before you sow

Growing times vary with weather, soil and local conditions.
8–12 weeks before transplant · ¼ inch deep.
70–80°F (21–26°C).
10 days at 45–50°F (7.2–10°C).
Protect plants from frost.
Plants 2–3 ft apart · rows 3–6 ft apart.
Fertile, well-drained soil.
About 85 days from transplant.
Clip before the bracts fully open.
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Artichokes need very fertile, free-draining soil at pH 6.5–7.0.
Start 8–12 weeks before planting out. Sow 1/4" deep, 2–3 seeds to each cell of a 50-cell tray or small pot, and thin to the strongest seedling. Germinate at 21–26°C (70–80°F), then grow on at 15–21°C (60–70°F) by day and 10–15°C (50–60°F) at night.
Set out plants 6–12 weeks old, 2–3' apart with 3–6' between rows, and protect them from frost.
Counted from transplanting.
Plants must spend about 10 days at 7–10°C (45–50°F) before they will set buds. A fall-planted crop gets this naturally over a mild winter. For spring planting, chill the young plants in a cooler or refrigerator; trying to time the cold outdoors is possible but less dependable.
Where winter lows stay above about 14°F (-10°C), sow in fall for a spring harvest.
Cut buds at the size you want, before the bracts start to spread open.
25 seeds.
About 10,500 on average.
We want every packet you buy from Hensley’s Seed Co. to grow well for you.
If anything you order from us doesn’t meet your expectations, just let us know and we’ll replace it or refund what you paid.
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