VegetableArtichoke
Imperial Star Artichoke
Globe Artichoke
Imperial Star Artichoke breaks the traditional mold by producing tender, buttery globe artichokes in just one season rather than requiring the typical two-year wait. This UC-bred variety thrives in zones 7-9 and delivers its first harvest in approximately 85 days, though some sources report yields extending up to 109 days. Growing 36-48 inches tall with nearly spineless plants, it transforms summer gardens into Mediterranean oases with uniform green globes that offer sweet, mild flavor perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/artichoke-seeds-imperial-star)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
7-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained Loam, Tolerates Poor Soil
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
48 in
Height
PeriodPerennial
TypeBush
Spacing
36 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
7-9
Size
48in H x ?in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
High
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Highlights
What sets Imperial Star apart is its revolutionary first-year production capability, eliminating the patience game that traditional artichokes demand. The University of California breeding program created this variety specifically for reliability and high uniformity, producing nearly spineless plants that make harvesting a pleasure rather than a painful chore. The central bud develops into a substantial 3-4 inch globe, followed by a succession of tender side shoots that extend the harvest window well into summer.
Common Uses
The tender, meaty hearts and fleshy bracts of Imperial Star artichokes excel in both simple and sophisticated preparations. The central globes provide substantial hearts perfect for stuffing or grilling whole, while the succession of smaller side shoots offers tender portions ideal for quick sautés, pasta dishes, or antipasto platters. The mild, buttery flavor makes these artichokes particularly versatile, working beautifully in Mediterranean dishes, creamy dips, or simply steamed and served with drawn butter.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Mid-summer
First Harvest
Late Summer
Last Harvest
Early Autumn
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 6-12 weeks before the last frost date, sowing 2-3 seeds per cell or 3-5 seeds per 4-inch pot at 1/4 inch deep. Germinate at 70-80°F, then grow seedlings at 60-70°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Thin to the strongest plant per container, removing weak or thorny seedlings.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant 6- to 12-week-old seedlings after danger of frost has passed, but ensure they can still receive 10-12 days of temperatures under 50°F to induce proper budding. Space plants 2-3 feet apart in rows 3-6 feet apart, and work in a cup of complete fertilizer around each plant.
Direct Sow
Direct sowing is challenging due to slow, uneven germination and sensitivity to temperature extremes, making transplants the preferred method for reliable yields.
Harvesting
Cut the central bud when tight and 3-4 inches across, before the bracts begin to spread or open, using a clean, sharp knife to leave 1-2 inches of stem. Smaller artichokes tend to be the most tender, so don't wait for maximum size. After harvesting the main globe, side shoots will continue producing smaller, tender artichokes throughout the season. The key visual cue is catching the buds after they've swelled but before they start to open.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6.5 – 7.5
Scientific Classification
Cynara scolymus L.
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Cynara
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Forb/herb
Native Status
L48 (I)
History & Origin
“Imperial Star emerged from the University of California's dedicated breeding program with a clear mission: to bring artichoke growing success to home gardeners who couldn't wait two years for their first harvest. This UC selection represents years of careful development focused on creating a variety that could reliably produce in its first season while maintaining the high uniformity and excellent culinary quality that makes artichokes worth growing.”