Globe Artichoke
Colorado Star is an early-maturing purple artichoke that brings elegance and efficiency to the home garden. This open-pollinated variety reaches harvest in just 75 days, making it one of the quickest artichokes from seed to table. Its compact bush habit means you can tuck plants into smaller spaces while still enjoying abundant purple buds, a striking addition to any vegetable garden that also happens to be genuinely delicious.
—
Moderate
6-9
?in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
Hover over chart points for details
What sets Colorado Star apart is its combination of speed and ornamental appeal. Purple buds mature reliably in under 12 weeks, and the plant's bushy growth habit makes it far more space-efficient than many artichoke varieties. This is a variety that rewards early planners: start seeds indoors in winter, and you'll be harvesting tender buds well before midsummer heat arrives. It's the kind of artichoke that turns casual growers into devoted fans.
Colorado Star buds are harvested young and tender, clipped before the bracts fully open to capture them at their most delicate. They're excellent steamed or grilled whole, served with melted butter or aioli, or added to pasta and risotto dishes. The buds can also be quartered and roasted until caramelized, bringing out their subtle nutty sweetness.
Sow seeds indoors 8 to 12 weeks before your planned transplant date. Place 2 to 3 seeds per cell in 50-cell trays or individual containers, planting them 1/4 inch deep. Germinate at 70 to 80°F (21 to 26°C), then reduce temperatures to 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C) during the day and 50 to 60°F (10 to 15°C) at night to encourage stocky, vigorous growth. Thin to 1 plant per cell once seedlings emerge.
Transplant 6- to 12-week-old plants to the garden 2 to 3 feet apart in rows spaced 3 to 6 feet apart. Choose a location with full sun and protect young plants from frost, which can set back growth or damage tender foliage.
Clip buds at your desired size before the bracts fully open. Purple buds harvested at the tight, compact stage deliver the most tender eating experience. Monitor plants closely as they approach maturity, the difference between a tender young bud and an over-mature one can be just days. Cut buds cleanly with a sharp knife, leaving a short stem attached for easier handling.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.