Colorado Red Star Artichoke
- Jacki B.
- 22 hours ago
- 1 min read
Friends, have you ever eaten a fresh, baby artichoke? I honestly don’t think there is anything in the world that tastes like it! Words like tender, grassy, vegetal, and succulent all come to mind. To that end, this year I will be growing Colorado Red Star Artichokes!
This is a green and purple, globe artichoke, which I found at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. I made my decision on this heirloom for two reasons. First, like most artichokes, it is frost hardy but does need a period of cold to produce the fruit…but only 10 days under 45 degrees!!! Second, the growing season for this artichoke is less than normal, as far as I can tell, while the Green Globe Improved has a harvest date of 180 days…which is literally 70 days more than our “USDA growing zone!”
I started my seeds on the 15th of January, and the first shoots came up on the 20th. The package was over-packed due to poor germination when tested by the company. The seed packet advised it could take 10-20 days for germination. I used a heat pad and a grow light to start mine in the basement. As of the 26th. all but 11 of the 36 boxes I planted have grown!
Most artichokes are grown as perennials, and while I am not sure we can do that here in Southeast Wyoming, I’m going to try!!!!! I will take pictures as they grow! Happy Gardening!!
