{"product_id":"artichoke-imperial-star","title":"Artichoke, Imperial Star","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescription\u003cbr\u003eHigh yields of sweet, mild tasting flower buds, 4 1\/2\" in diameter are very slow to open when mature and are produced the first year. Perennial in zones 7-9.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow to Grow\u003cbr\u003eKeep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.\u003cbr\u003eKeep plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.\u003cbr\u003eMonitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTips\u003cbr\u003eIn areas with short growing seasons artichokes will not flower until the second year.\u003cbr\u003eThe flower buds and stalks contain the tender heartmeat that is consumed.\u003cbr\u003eFor single harvest, cut the flower buds and stem by the base of the leaves just before the bud opens, which is about 180 days from transplanting.\u003cbr\u003eFor multiple harvests, cut the flower bud one inch below the bud and allow the stem to send out additional flower buds.\u003cbr\u003eSuccessive buds will be smaller than the first, but just as tasty.\u003cbr\u003eThe artichoke petals, heart, and stem all contain the tender fiber that is so delicious when steamed.\u003cbr\u003eStore fresh artichokes in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for a week.\u003cbr\u003eArtichoke hearts may be preserved in olive oil, or pickled.\u003cbr\u003eArtichoke hearts or the whole bed may be blanched and frozen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Seedsplant","offers":[{"title":"30 Seeds","offer_id":51778984476989,"sku":null,"price":4.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 Seeds","offer_id":51778984509757,"sku":null,"price":6.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 Seeds","offer_id":51778984542525,"sku":null,"price":10.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200 Seeds","offer_id":51778984575293,"sku":null,"price":16.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0107\/1487\/3956\/files\/1_a101d4b5-c7ec-4bed-866f-b78966e4a61c.jpg?v=1780322529","url":"https:\/\/seedsplant.com\/products\/artichoke-imperial-star","provider":"Seedsplant","version":"1.0","type":"link"}