Colorado Red Star

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Experience the striking allure of Colorado Red Star artichoke—tightly packed, starry bracts that unfold in rich, wine-red tones with a tender, meaty heart.

The texture is firm yet yielding, promising a satisfying bite that shines in centerpiece displays and in preparations that highlight its naturally nutty, earthy flavor. A standout for gardeners who want bold color and dependable harvest rhythm over a long, rewarding season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Colorado Red Star

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Oct 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These Colorado Red Star artichokes lean into a firm, meaty pull—bracts soften elegantly while the heart keeps its bite, so they don’t collapse into watery mess. The nutty, earthy flavor hugs lemon and garlic, then really sings once you hit them with browned butter and salty cheese.

Best Uses

braise or steam until bracts pull clean, then finish with browned butter or olive oil
shave hearts for a citrus-garlic salad that needs crunch plus roast-like savor
grill or roast halved artichokes and pull the smokey centers into a warm vinaigrette
stuff bracts/heart with breadcrumbs, garlic, and cheese, then bake until bronzed and cohesive

Flavor Profile

nutty, earthy bite distinctly meaty heart texture slightly wine-red, vegetal sweetness firm bracts that tender without going mushy

Kitchen Pairings

lemon garlic olive oil butter parmesan chicken or pork

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (Colorado Red Star) and how can I treat it?

Watch for powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, dusty coating on Cynara leaves during humid or crowded conditions. Remove badly infected leaves, water at the base (not the foliage), and space plants so air moves through the canopy; in home gardens, spray with a labeled potassium bicarbonate or sulfur product according to the label at the first sign of spotting. Also check for aphids around tender growth—blast them off with water and, if needed, use an insecticidal soap early in the day.

How often should I water Colorado Red Star during the main growing phase?

During active leaf and bud development, keep the root zone evenly moist but never waterlogged—aim for soil that feels evenly damp 2–3 inches down. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on weather, increasing frequency during hot, dry spells and reducing watering if the soil stays wet after a day. Mulch around plants helps stabilize moisture for these roughly 120-day crops.

How do I know when Colorado Red Star is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the buds reach full size and the bracts are still tightly closed and compact; for Cynara, this is typically around 110–120 days after sowing. For best tenderness, cut the stem 4–6 inches below the bud using a sharp knife as soon as you see the bud has firmed up—overripe artichoke buds loosen and start to open. If you see the tips beginning to spread, prioritize harvesting promptly.