{"title":"Artichoke \u0026 Cardoon","description":"\u003cp\u003eA veggie that can hold its head up high in an herbaceous border too, these will never be overlooked and should you allow a flower or two then lots of useful pollinators will rapidly come to your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoom for just one...then try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/artichoke-romanesco\" title=\"Artichoke Romanesco\"\u003eRomanesco\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove artichoke buds...why not explore our range of edible \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/all-flowers\"\u003eflowers\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cardoon\" title=\"artichoke cardoon vegetable seeds\"\u003eCardoon \u003c\/a\u003eis a close tasty relative\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cardoon","title":"Cardoon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCardoon\u003c\/strong\u003e is a wonderfully dramatic plant, quite hardy in cooler area. Found as an ingredient in traditional French cuisine. Why not grow them for their crispy edible stalks and mid-ribs, the young buds can be eaten like Artichoke hearts. Price for 6 seeds\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW: When \u0026amp; Where\u003c\/strong\u003e – either sow in March in a propagator at around 13ºC or wait until it is warmer in mid April to sow them in pots.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: Harden off and plant out after all frost danger has passed at about 60cm apart. They like a sunny position but water them if the weather turns dry. Cardoons will be ready for blanching in late summer or early autumn: do this by tying the stalks together (loosely), then wrap the group of stems in newspaper to block out the light. Leave them wrapped for 3-4 weeks. When you are ready to harvest dig up the whole plant and trim off the roots and outer leaves. You may be able to successfully replant the roots for the next year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTO EAT\u003c\/strong\u003e: the blanched stalks can be eaten raw after peeling and slicing them. You can also cook them for use in soups \u0026amp; stews as an alternative to celery. The young buds can be eaten like Artichoke hearts.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824580960532,"sku":"CARDO","price":0.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/cardoon.jpg?v=1751989288"},{"product_id":"artichoke-green-globe-improved","title":"Artichoke Green Globe Improved","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtichoke Green Globe\u003c\/strong\u003e is generally grown as a perennial in mild areas and as an annual where ground freezes although a good winter mulch may help overwinter in hard frost areas. These stately architectural plants need plenty of room and make wonderful specimen plants in your borders as well as your veg plot. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: chill seeds before sowing in moist seed compost in an unheated greenhouse\/coldframe in late winter\/early spring or outside in early to mid-spring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: harden off and plant out in late spring\/early summer time about 60cm apart. Dig in well-rotted organic matter before planting and apply a general fertiliser. Water well after planting and in dry weather. Remove flowers in the first year so that the plants can establish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLONG TERM CARE\u003c\/strong\u003e: harvest in the summer when the scales are tightly closed, cut the terminal bud first (with about 5cm of stem) and then the others when large enough. Once the scales begin to open they become inedible! In mild areas retain stems and leaves for frost protection, otherwise remove and earth up in winter \u0026amp; cover with ferns or straw for added protection (uncover in spring). Mulch in spring - you can apply a high potash fertiliser when plants are actively growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENJOY\u003c\/strong\u003e: tight compact good sized heads - harvest these before the bracts open. Cut the top one first, then the secondary ones as they mature.  Pollinating insects will be very happy if you leave one flower bud to open fully while harvesting the rest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824583483668,"sku":"ARTGG","price":0.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/artichokegreenglobe.png?v=1751989322"},{"product_id":"artichoke-imperial-star","title":"Artichoke Imperial Star","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtichoke Imperial Star \u003c\/strong\u003eis sturdy and productive, with tight, tasty buds that are great steamed, grilled or roasted. It gets going faster than the traditional Green Globe and can crop in its first year if the seed is given a bit of a chill before sowing. Even without that, it’s a reliable performer from year two onwards. A solid choice if you want homegrown artichokes without too much waiting around.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis variety is part of our naturally nurtured range, the seed comes from an organic source\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: chill seeds before sowing in moist seed compost in an unheated greenhouse\/coldframe in late winter\/early spring or outside in early to mid-spring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: harden off and plant out in late spring\/early summer time about 60cm apart. Dig in well-rotted organic matter before planting and apply a general fertiliser. Water well after planting and in dry weather. Remove flowers in the first year so that the plants can establish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLONG TERM CARE\u003c\/strong\u003e: harvest in the summer when the scales are tightly closed, cut the terminal bud first (with about 5cm of stem) and then the others when large enough. Once the scales begin to open they become inedible! In mild areas retain stems and leaves for frost protection, otherwise remove and earth up in winter \u0026amp; cover with ferns or straw for added protection (uncover in spring). Mulch in spring - you can apply a high potash fertiliser when plants are actively growing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWILDLIFE FRIENDLY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you leave a bud or two to flower, pollinators like bumblebees and honeybees will make a beeline for the big, thistle-like blooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eButterflies often stop by for a nectar top-up in warm weather.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLet the flowers go to seed and you might spot goldfinches or other seed-loving birds having a snack.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824589250836,"sku":"ARTIS","price":1.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/ArtichokeImperialStar.jpg?v=1751989356"},{"product_id":"artichoke-romanesco","title":"Artichoke Romanesco","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese statuesque \u003cstrong\u003eArtichoke Romanesco \u003c\/strong\u003eplants can reach 200cm tall, a real statement in your veg plot or your garden border. For eating you are looking for the tight globe flower buds, beautifully tinged dark red\/purple. These are later to mature than green varieties but need to be picked to savour before they flower. If you have room to let some burst into bloom they will be appreciated by bees and insects as they are a great source of nectar. Your harvest will be in the second year – any buds in the first year ought to be removed so the plant can concentrate on growing. Well developed plants can stay productive for 4-5 years. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOW\u003c\/strong\u003e: chill seeds before sowing in moist seed compost in an unheated greenhouse\/coldframe in late winter\/early spring or outside in early to mid-spring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROW\u003c\/strong\u003e: harden off and plant out in late spring\/early summer time about 60cm apart. Dig in well-rotted organic matter before planting and apply a general fertiliser. Water well after planting and in dry weather. Remove flowers in the first year so that the plants can establish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLONG TERM CARE\u003c\/strong\u003e: harvest in the summer when the scales are tightly closed, cut the terminal bud first (with about 5cm of stem) and then the others when large enough. Once the scales begin to open they become inedible! In mild areas retain stems and leaves for frost protection, otherwise remove and earth up in winter \u0026amp; cover with ferns or straw for added protection (uncover in spring). Mulch in spring - you can apply a high potash fertiliser when plants are actively growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWe are often asked how to prepare and eat artichokes….\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003ePick then soak the flower buds in salt water for a couple of hours, rinse, boil until tender, and then serve with butter. Forget any thought of good manners: use your fingers to remove the fleshy scales one at a time, clamp between the teeth and strip the flesh off! Scrummy!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49824590659860,"sku":"ARTRO","price":0.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/artichokeromanesco.png?v=1751989404"},{"product_id":"artichoke-violet-de-provence","title":"Artichoke Violet de Provence","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eViolet de Provence \u003c\/strong\u003eis an early and fine tasting choice with the bonus of a second crop 6-8 weeks after the first picking.  This striking architectural plant tastes as good as it looks, and if some buds are left to bloom into large purple thistle-like flower heads become magnets for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Harvest May-June from the 2nd year, and your plants can be in production for 3 or 4 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSow:\u003c\/strong\u003e either under cover from late February to early March \u0026amp; in August to September or in the open from March through to July.  Sow seeds 1cm deep in a seed tray or small pots, cover lightly with fine soil, firm gently and keep moist. They need to be placed in a sunny position with direct sunlight.  Pot on to 9cm pots and plant out when established and the roots are starting to fill the pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrow: \u003c\/strong\u003ethese need some space, 60-100cm apart or find a home in an ornamental border.  From the 2nd year harvest before the buds open (about May), cutting the stem 5cm or so below the base of the bud. Any old branches should be removed to allow new growth: if you cut the whole plant down to the ground after the last bud (leaves and all), they will crop again 6-8 weeks later.  From this 2nd crop leave some buds to flower and the leaves in place to feed the plant. In the winter add mulch at the base of the plant to preserve moisture and block out the frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy:\u003c\/strong\u003e plants remain productive for up to 4 years, eat and enjoy and leave some flowers for the wildlife too.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MoreVeg Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51236433887508,"sku":"ARTIVP","price":1.1,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/files\/Artichoke_Violet_De_Provence.jpg?v=1756746060"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0918\/3133\/7236\/collections\/ARIS_t_m.jpg?v=1751995666","url":"https:\/\/moreveg.co.uk\/collections\/collection-artichoke-cardoon-vegetable-seeds.oembed","provider":"MoreVeg Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}