![]() They can now be placed outside, but they will still need 2-3 weeks to harden off before planting out into their final position, so try to keep them under some sort of cover such as a cold frame or plastic tunnel. Wait a couple of weeks after germination before removing the weaker artichoke seedlings from each pot. The seeds should germinate between 2-3 weeks but they will need to remain in their protected environment right up until the threat of late frosts are over. Water as necessary from that point on, but at no time should the compost be left sodden or be allowed to completely dry out. Give the seeds a further, light covering of compost, then water in well - placing them in a greenhouse or warm room once the excess water has drained off. You may wish to mix in a little horticultural grit or perlite to help with the drainage. ![]() Starting anytime from around late February, plant a couple of seeds into 9cm pots using good quality soil-based composts such as John Innes ‘Seed’. While they will not all grow genetically ‘true’ to the parent plants, because they are so easy to germinate it is just a matter of growing a few extra plants so that any rogue specimens that turn up can be removed later on without the worry of losing some of your future crop.Īrtichokes can be started from seed in a greenhouse, conservatory or even in a warm, bright room by the windowsill. The unavoidable fact and so called ‘worst kept secret’ is that artichokes plants are just so easy to grow from seed. If you are prepared to do a little research you can still buy a few of the old historic varieties such as 'Violetta di Chioggia', and 'Gros Vert de Laon'. Today things are a little different with hundreds of varieties available - even to the passionate, amateur gardener - with many of them suitable for growing as an annual or perennial crop - even in the cooler northern European climates. Still considered to be a true gourmet food, artichokes once commanded such high prices that only kings and members of the aristocracy could afford to eat them. Artichokes are at risk of becoming one of the gardeners worst kept secrets.
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