Artichoke Imperial Star

Artichoke Imperial Star is sturdy and productive, with tight, tasty buds that are great steamed, grilled or roasted. It gets going faster than the traditional Green Globe and can crop in its first year if the seed is given a bit of a chill before sowing. Even without that, it’s a reliable performer from year two onwards. A solid choice if you want homegrown artichokes without too much waiting around.

This variety is part of our naturally nurtured range, the seed comes from an organic source

SOW: chill seeds before sowing in moist seed compost in an unheated greenhouse/coldframe in late winter/early spring or outside in early to mid-spring.

GROW: harden off and plant out in late spring/early summer time about 60cm apart. Dig in well-rotted organic matter before planting and apply a general fertiliser. Water well after planting and in dry weather. Remove flowers in the first year so that the plants can establish.

LONG TERM CARE: harvest in the summer when the scales are tightly closed, cut the terminal bud first (with about 5cm of stem) and then the others when large enough. Once the scales begin to open they become inedible! In mild areas retain stems and leaves for frost protection, otherwise remove and earth up in winter & cover with ferns or straw for added protection (uncover in spring). Mulch in spring - you can apply a high potash fertiliser when plants are actively growing.

WILDLIFE FRIENDLY

• If you leave a bud or two to flower, pollinators like bumblebees and honeybees will make a beeline for the big, thistle-like blooms.
• Butterflies often stop by for a nectar top-up in warm weather.
• Let the flowers go to seed and you might spot goldfinches or other seed-loving birds having a snack.