Artichokes can produce well-developed buds in their first year from seed. One variety that is particularly known for its early maturity is the ‘Imperial Star’. This annual plant is specifically bred to produce artichokes in the first year.
The ‘Imperial Star’ artichoke plants typically grow to about 3 feet tall. This makes them a manageable size for most home gardeners. The plants have a compact, bushy growth habit, which helps them produce multiple buds.
One of the great advantages of the ‘Imperial Star’ variety is that it produces both primary and secondary buds. Each plant can have 1-2 primary buds, which are larger and more substantial. Additionally, they typically produce 5-7 smaller secondary buds. This means that you can enjoy a decent harvest from each plant.
When it comes to growing artichokes from seed, it is important to start them early in the season. Artichokes are typically started indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. This gives them enough time to establish a strong root system before being transplanted outside.
Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, you can transplant your seedlings into the garden. Artichokes prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil. They also benefit from regular watering, especially during dry spells.
It is worth noting that while ‘Imperial Star’ is bred for early maturity, not all artichoke varieties will produce in their first year. Many traditional artichoke varieties are biennials, meaning they take two years to produce. In their first year, these biennial varieties focus on establishing a strong root system and foliage. They will typically produce buds in their second year.
In my personal experience, I have grown ‘Imperial Star’ artichokes and found them to be quite reliable in producing buds in the first year. The plants grew vigorously and produced a good number of small to medium-sized artichokes. The taste was delicious, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
While not all artichoke varieties will produce in their first year, the ‘Imperial Star’ variety is specifically bred for early maturity. This annual plant can produce well-developed artichoke buds in the first year from seed. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a decent harvest of tasty artichokes from each plant.