Artichoke

• About 20 seeds/g.

Culture: The artichoke is a biennial, requiring trickery in the North to induce production of its edible flower buds. Follow these instructions for vernalization:

Start seeds indoors in mid-February and grow on at around 70° during the day and 50° at night, avoiding direct hot sun or overwatering (misting is preferred). When night temps no longer drop more than a few degrees below freezing (mid-April to mid-May in New England), move seedlings to an unheated greenhouse or cold frame to harden off. Keep them well ventilated and as cool as possible without freezing. Plants (both seedlings and mature) can tolerate light frosts but not hard ones. (If this hardening-off regimen is not feasible, try to time transplanting so plants receive 7–10 days of 45–50°.) After danger of frost has passed, set plants out 3' apart in rows 4' apart. Incorporate generous amounts of compost or aged manure. A balanced fertilizer is beneficial. Plants need at least 1" of water per week. Mulch with hay or IRT mulch. Row covers help hasten maturity.