<tc>Artischoke Imperial Star [Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus]</tc>

The 'Imperial Star' artichoke is an ancient perennial leafy vegetable and medicinal plant from the Mediterranean region. Already by the ancient Egyptians, this flowering vegetable was highly valued and cultivated. in the 13th Century in Europe, the artichoke was introduced by the Arabs and grown in the Canary Islands and Sicily. The 'Imperial Star' is a very robust and fast-growing variety that, due to its early flowering phase, is particularly suitable for cultivation in temperate, cooler climates. The plant forms dark green wide leaves with a white rib. The fine taste is strong and mild. Due to the many valuable ingredients, the plant is a useful means of losing weight.

General information
Plant family: Asteraceae
Life Cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 270 days
Plant height approx.: 180cm
Root Type: Deep Root
Nutrient requirements: Strong Eaters
Water Requirements: High
Winter hardiness: Up to-10 °C
Location: Sunny
Floor: Permeable, moist, sandy, loamy, humus

PH: 6.5 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Dark germ
Seed Depth: 2-4 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 20-25 °C
Germination time: 5-10 days
Planting, row spacing: 80x100 cm

Optimal mixed culture: Salad, fennel, radish, thick bean, cucumber, potato
Unfavorable mixed culture: Garlic, chives, celery, onion

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly into the open air from January. We recommend pre-cultivation in small bowls from January to June.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
From April onwards, sow directly into the frost-free field. We recommend pre-cultivation in small bowls from January with planting in April.

General
We always recommend pre-cultivation for artichokes. D Azzu let the seedlings grow in a small bowl to the first visible artichoke leaves, then pike them into the desired container. After peckering, let the seedlings grow at moderate temperatures until they are planted out as seedlings. The planting of the seedlings in the bed is carried out from the 2nd Pair of leaves after the cotyledders.
The plants prefer a protected and sunny location with a moist, sandy, humus-rich and loamy soil, with many nutrients. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
If sown later, the flowers appear the following year and are harvested when closed. In the subtropical climate, the plant thrives outdoors for several years. Winter protection is required in cooler temperate climates. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and well-drained soil, an additional incorporation of biochar and primeval rock flour is recommended.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds.

Care Plants
The bed in the artichoke should never dry out completely, regular watering is necessary to keep the growth of the plants stable. A with Animal manure prepared soil and planting in mixed culture, replaces additional fertilization. Fertilization with plant manure promotes new shoots in spring.

Germination ability of seeds: 3-4 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
English Names: Artichoke
German names: Artichocke
Portuguese names: Alcachofra
Spanish Names: Alcachofa, alcaucil
French names: Artichaut