Cynara scolymus

Imperial Star Artichoke Seeds (90 days from transplant)

Seed Packet contains about 20 seeds or 1 gram.

Mother Earth News says about Imperial Star artichoke seeds...

"Huge Yields of Thornless, Sweet Chokes!
This gourmet, perennial vegetable did not tolerate temperatures below 20 degrees, grew best in foggy areas with cool days and nights, and demanded a long growing season.

But these rigid requirements changed when a new variety, `Imperial Star,' became available in the late 1990's. An annual artichoke that is started from seed in early spring, it produces edible buds about 90 days after transplants are set out, much like tomatoes and peppers. Now anyone, anywhere, can have an artichoke patch for fresh eating or even canning.

Mostly green with a tinge of purple, these artichokes don't have any thorns to bother you when you're dipping them!  Also this variety can be grown as an annual in warmer climates than most artichokes.

Buttery, with a nutty flavor, artichoke hearts have long been regarded as elegant additions to salads, as topping for sauteed fish and as toothsome appetizers when dressed with vinegar, olive oil and herbs. The whole artichoke bud is best steamed and served with a dipping sauce of garlic-flavored, melted butter or mayonnaise. To eat it, grasp the pointed end of each petal of the bud and pull it off. Then dip the petal bottom in the sauce and rake it over your teeth to dislodge the meaty pulp at the base."


Recommended by the Following State Universities or Ag Extension Offices as a variety that performs well for their region .  OR

A PVP variety.  This means no seed saving on this variety.  People, or in this case Universities spend many years and funds to create a new Open Pollinated variety.  This license allows them to make back their investment for 18 years.  This is not a GE var. nor is it the same.  After the 18 years the license expires and it becomes public domain.  MANY OP/heirloom varieties have gone down this road.  Plant breeders and investors need to have a way to earn a living and make back their investment.  We support this reasonable approach and find it to be a win-win for everyone. 

"Unauthorized Propagation or Export Prohibited. Protected Plant Variety, Plant Variety Protection certificate No. 9000179." (University of California)