How to Grow Colorado Star
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Your complete guide to growing Colorado Star.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsWhen to Plant Colorado Star
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May – June | July – September | — |
| Zone 2 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January | February – April | — |
| Zone 11 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 12 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 13 | January | January – March | — |
Companion Plants for Colorado Star
✓ Good companions
Repels ants, aphids, and rodents while attracting pollinators
Provide habitat for beneficial insects and improve soil structure
Deters pests with aromatic oils and attracts pollinators
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles
Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and parasitic wasps
Attracts ladybugs and parasitic wasps while improving soil health
Attract beneficial pollinators and predatory insects
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many plants
Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress nearby plant growth
Can inhibit growth through allelopathy and compete aggressively for resources
