Cynara scolymus Artichokes

Planting position: Full sun. Ideal for regions with cool summers and winters. Spacing of 1m and for the rows 70cm.
Requires adequate watering and support through staking. Well-draining, compost-enriched loamy soil, generous layers of mulching and added 2:3:2. Cut stems back to ground level after Harvesting, mulch again and apply complete fertiliser.
Propagate from November-sown seed.
Fertilising programme: spring applications of 75g 3:2:1 for each plant, but sprinkled well away from the plant and its stems.
Harvesting is done when the globes are 10cm in diameter and the scales fleshy and tight. With sharp secateurs, cut it off with a section of the stem.
Pests, diseases and their cures: Aphids - spray with Rogor or Malathion.

This large perennial produces edible, flower heads of either green or purple. The base of the scales and flower, of an immature flower head, is eaten.