Very early artichoke seed Colorado Star

annualsummerhybrid

Colorado Star was specifically bred for annual production from seed. Very early maturing compared to other purple varieties as well as green varieties. The 1-3' tall plants vary from upright to prostrate, but all produce high yields of purple to green-purple buds. Typically 1-3 primary buds are produced that are 2 1/2-3 1/2" in diameter followed by 5-7 secondary buds ranging from 2-2 1/2" diameter. Developed by Keith Mayberry, who also bred Imperial Star. Plants may be variably spiny. Perennial in Zone 7 and warmer, otherwise treat as an annual. NOTE: Amount of purpling may vary from plant to plant - some buds will be all purple, while others only show purple-tinged bracts. Avg. 9,600 seeds/lb. Packet: 25 seeds. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cynara spp. CULTURE: Artichokes and cardoon require very fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5-7.0. Sow artichokes indoors 8-12 weeks before last spring frost date. Cardoon is more vigorous and can be started later, 6-8 weeks prior to last frost date. Plant 2-3 seeds per cell in 50-cell plug trays or individual containers 1/4" deep. Germinate at 70-80°F (21-26°C) and grow at 60-70°F (15-21°C) day and 50-60°F (10-15°C) night. Transplant 6- to 12-week-old plants to the field 2-3' apart in rows 3-6' apart. GLOBE ARTICHOKES: IMPORTANT COLD TREATMENT (VERNALIZATION): If treating as an annual, time transplanting so plants receive a minimum of 10 days of 45-50°F (7.2-10°C) temperatures to induce budding. Protect from frost.