Cynara cardunculus, 'Porto Spineless'

Germination

Sow under glass. Sow into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 16°C. Germination takes 14-30 days. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 150cm spacing.

Growing

Keep well watered until established. Apply a mulch around the stems in May. Weed as required. Feed every 2 weeks if desired. In cold areas apply a dry winter mulch.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed, division in spring or root cuttings in winter. Cut down flower stems as they emerge in summer if you wish to grow this as a foliage plant. Bears Thistle-like flowers which are ideal for cut or dried flower arrangements.