Artichoke, 'Violetta di Chioggia'

Germination

Sow under glass Mar-Jul. Sow 20mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 18°C. Germination takes 10 days approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Plant out the following spring with 90cm spacing into soil which is well prepared with plenty of well rotted manure and added fertiliser.

Growing

Keep weed free. Mulch with well rotted organic matter in spring. Feeding with a general purpose fertiliser will increase yields. Water during dry weather. During cold winter weather cover with a mulch of straw. Slugs can be a common problem, treat as desired.

Cultivation

Deadhead regularly to prolong the flowering window. Will self-seed freely, deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next year. Do not overcrowd this plant, it will spread. Large clumps can be divided every 3 years. Remove excess woody growth. If you wish to collect seeds allow the seedheads to mature on the plant and harvest when dry and brown. Cut plants down to the ground in summer.