Unwins Artichoke Violetto di Romagna Seeds

Almost fill a seed tray with moist seed compost. Sow seeds thinly over the surface, and lightly cover them with a little more compost. Place in the warmth (10-15°C) and keep moist. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings individually to 8cm pots of potting compost. Gradually accustom them to conditions outside for 2-3 weeks before planting out to their cropping positions 90cm apart from late spring onwards.

Sow seeds thinly in a shallow, short, pre-watered row. Lightly cover them with a little soil. Keep soil moist until seedlings are established, then thin to 2cm apart.

When the seedlings are growing strongly, transplant them to their cropping positions from mid to late summer, allowing 90cm each way between plants.

Pick the heads in summer, and use the scales while they are still young and fleshy. Do not allow flower heads to form during the first year; remove these as soon as noticed.