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Plant Care
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Steve Brigham
Plant Care Guide

Imperial star artichoke (Cynara scolymus 'Imperial Star')

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  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

General Information

Along the Southern California coast, the main season for harvesting artichokes is mid to late spring. But if you cut the old flower stalks back after spring harvest, you can get another crop in the fall. Be sure you give plants plenty of room to grow in full sun on the coast or with a little afternoon shade in warmer inland areas. Green Globe is an old favorite that is usually available as dormant roots in winter. 'Imperial Star' is an improved low-chill, heat-tolerant variety that you can grow from seed starting in September for harvest the next spring.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

Buy

When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!

January
Buy dormant roots for planting this month.

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

January
Plant dormant roots 4-5 feet apart in a rich, well-drained soil. Full sun is fine on the coast, with a little afternoon shade best in warmer inland areas.

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

January
Work a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting dormant roots.

Water

Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?

January
Water established plants thoroughly and deeply once a week during dry periods.

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

Protect

When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?

Pest/Disease Inspection

What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?

Treat for Pest/Disease

How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

Harvest

When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?