Colorado Star Artichoke Seed
Colorado Star Artichoke Seed
Early maturing purple annual.
A very early artichoke specifically bred for annual production from seed. The 1–3' tall plants vary from upright to prostrate, but all produce high yields of purple to greenish-purple buds. Typically 1–3 primary buds are produced that are 2 1/2–3 1/2" in diameter followed by 5–7 secondary buds ranging from 2–2 1/2" in diameter. Developed by Keith Mayberry, who also bred Imperial Star. Plants are spiny. Perennialization possible in Zone 9 and warmer; otherwise treat as an annual. NOTE: Amount of purpling may vary from plant to plant; some buds will be all purple, while others only show purple-tinged bracts. Avg. 9,600 seeds/lb. Packet: 25 seeds.
CULTURE: Artichokes require very fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5–7.0. Sow artichokes indoors 8–12 weeks before transplant date. Plant 2–3 seeds, ¼" deep, per cell in 50-cell trays or individual containers. Germinate at 70–80°F (21–26°C) and grow at 60–70°F (15–21°C) day and 50–60°F (10–15°C) night. Thin to 1 plant per cell or container. Transplant 6- to 12-week-old plants to the field 2–3' apart in rows 3–6' apart. Protect from frost.
MILD AREAS: In Zone 9 and warmer, may be grown for annual or perennial production.
IMPORTANT COLD TREATMENT (VERNALIZATION): Artichokes need 10 days of 45–50°F (7.2–10°C) temperatures to induce budding. In mild regions this can be accomplished naturally when overwintering a fall-planted crop. For spring-planted crops, cold exposure can occur in a refrigerator or cooler. Timing transplanting to expose seedlings to these temperatures is possible but may be unreliable.
HARVEST: Clip buds at desired size before bracts fully open.
SEED SPECS: SEEDS/LB.: Avg. 11,500.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplant.
PACKET: 25 seeds.
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