40 Southern Gardener^ s Practical Manual 



inches across at the edible stage. In America, it is 

 usually propagated from seed, which may be sown under 

 glass in early spring and the plants transplanted, or it 

 may be sown in the open ground as early as the frost is 

 out of the soil. 



To secure large flower -heads or buds, the plants 

 should be left not nearer than two feet apart in the 

 drill, nor should the rows be less than four feet apart. 

 The plants produce few heads the first year but, being 

 hardy in our latitude, continue fruiting for four years, 

 when they begin to fail and should be renewed. Edible 

 heads are secured more promptly from suckers trans- 

 planted from the base of the stalk, and the variety is 

 more accurately reproduced in this way than from seed, 

 though the latter produces stronger plants. 



The artichoke is a gross feeder and hence requires 

 not only a moist, fertile soil but liberal manuring annu- 

 ally. Wood ashes are considered a special fertilizer for 

 it. From six to twelve suckers are produced at the base 

 of each plant. If large, edible heads are desired, all of 

 the suckers except three should be removed, care being 

 exercised not to injure the main crown in removing 

 them. If all of the heads except that on the center stalk 

 are removed, this will attain unusual size. Since this plant 

 is so easily grown and continues in successful bearing 

 four or five years, it should receive more attention than 

 in the past. 



Select a few of the finest early heads, allow them 

 to mature, and save the seed. An ounce of seed will 

 plant as much as will be desired for a family supply. 



The half -grown heads are often used for pickles. 



