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Artichoke Imperial Star - Cynara Scolymus

Cynara scolymus Imperial Star
Globe Artichoke

3,0/5
1 reviews
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1 reviews

It was out of curiosity that I wanted to test growing artichokes from seeds. I was skeptical and should have refrained. I obtained a few fairly decent plants, but the fruiting was almost nonexistent and the plants completely withered, even though they are normally perennial. I won't do it again. I don't recommend it! Thankfully, I had my plants (of a different variety) purchased from a garden centre located 5 km (3.1mi) away from my place!

Yves, 21/11/2019

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More information

An early and vigorous variety that produces 7 to 8 heads per plant of about 1.5 m (5ft), with a sweet and tender flavour. This perennial vegetable plant is grown for its round heads, about 12 cm (5in) in diameter, formed of fleshy ovate scales at the base (the leaves) and its floral receptacle, the artichoke heart. Sowing from February to March for a harvest 6 to 7 months later.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
1.50 m
Spread at maturity
30 cm
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Germination time (days)
15 days
Sowing method
Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Sowing period February to March
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A
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J
J
A
S
O
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Flowering time May to October
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest time August to October
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F
M
A
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Description

The Imperial Star artichoke is an early and vigorous variety that produces 7 to 8 heads per plant of about 1.5 m (5ft), with a sweet and tender flavour. This perennial vegetable plant is cultivated for its round heads, about 12 cm (5in) in diameter, formed of oval, fleshy scales at the base (the leaves) and its floral receptacle, the artichoke heart. Sowing from February to March for a harvest 6 to 7 months later.

The artichoke is a perennial vegetable plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It belongs to the genus Cynara, like the Cardoon - and the Thistle. Known to the Greeks and the Romans since antiquity, it was introduced in France around the 15th century.

It is a plant that, although perennial, is often cultivated for two or three years. It has an upright stem that can reach a height of 2 metres (7 feet) and large, deeply cut leaves. It is its inflorescence, or rather its flower bud, which is harvested before the flower develops, that is consumed.

Coluche said of the artichoke: "It's the only dish where when you're done eating, you have more on your plate than when you started!". This is neither entirely false nor entirely true because, in the artichoke, everything is edible, or almost everything: the heart, with vinaigrette, the base of the leaves, but also the leaf stems which, when blanched, can be consumed like those of the cardoon.

The artichoke has anti-anemic, detoxifying, stimulating, and tonic properties, and contains vitamins A, B1, B2, C. It has a beneficial effect on the liver.

In the garden, the Artichoke thrives in rich and well-draining soil. As a true Mediterranean plant, its worst enemies are humidity and frost. Therefore it is best suited for mild climates and preferably grown on a mound.

Harvest and storage: The harvest of the flower buds should be done as they develop, each year. They should be harvested before the central scales spread apart and consumed as quickly as possible.

Gardener's tip: In regions with harsh winters, protect your plants with a thick layer of dry leaves. Keep a close eye on your plants as aphids love them!

Harvest

Harvest time August to October
Type of vegetable Flower vegetable
Vegetable colour green
Size of vegetable Medium
Interest Flavour, Productive
Use Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.50 m
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Cynara

Species

scolymus

Cultivar

Imperial Star

Family

Asteraceae

Other common names

Globe Artichoke

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Annual / Perennial

Perennial

Product reference34581

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Planting and care

Sowing from February to March

The seeds are sown in pots. Sow 2 or 3 seeds per pot. Keep only the best young plant for transplanting about 2 months after sowing. You will plant them in their permanent position at a distance of 80cm (32in) to 1 metre (3 feet).

In warm southern regions, you can sow directly in the ground, in holes spaced 80cm (32in) to 1m (3ft) apart.

Maintenance

Hoe and weed. Water if necessary. Mounding up the plants is beneficial as is good mulching. In October-November cut the stems that have produced flower buds, a few centimetres above the ground.

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Seedlings

Sowing period February to March
Sowing method Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Germination time (days) 15 days

Care

Soil moisture Tolerant
Disease resistance Good
Pruning No pruning necessary

Intended location

Type of use Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130
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