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Artichoke (Colorado Star)

perennial

Growing reference
Spacing
36 in
Trellis
no
Seed indoor
Jan 21(-12 w)
Transplant
Apr 15(at frost)
Harvest
~20–28 weeks from sowing
Water
1-2 per week
Seed shelf life
5–6 y
Lifecycle
perennial
Seed source
Johnny's Selected Seeds

Imperial Star and Colorado Star are bred for first-year production from seed. Needs ~10 days of 45-50°F to trigger budding — happens naturally in a cool Zone 7 spring, or chill seedlings in the fridge for 10 days before planting out. Plant 1 per 9 sqft (3 ft spacing). Perennial in mild climates, treated as annual where winter lows go below ~14°F.