GLOBE ARTICHOKE 201 



themselves unimpaired in spite of the loss of a large amount of 

 their foliage produced in early spring. In gathering rhubarb, 

 only the larger stalks are pulled, the small ones being left to assist 

 in maintaining the plant; and at no time is the plant bereft of 

 anywhere near all the foliage. In pulling, the stalk is grasped 

 close to its base and pulled straight in the direction of its growth. 

 In this way there is httle danger of breaking the stalk. 



Some of the rhubarb plants, and sometimes most of them, 

 will start to send up seed stalks. These should be promptly re- 

 moved with a knife as soon as they appear; for the production 

 of seed is exhaustive to the plant, and uses up food materials 

 that should go to the support of the root. 



When rhubarb roots become old they are likely to produce 

 smaller leaf stalks than when in their prime. When indications 

 of this condition occur, the roots may be dug up and divided for 

 starting a new plantation, or they may be pruned where they 

 stand, by cutting off the lateral portions with a spade or plow. 

 This seems like harsh treatment, but is said to be fully as effective 

 in promoting the production of large stalks as is starting a new 

 plantation. 



GLOBE ARTICHOKE 



Globe or burr artichokes are little grown in this country out- 

 side of California. The large city markets are supplied chiefly 

 from that state and from Bermuda. However, with proper care 

 it is possible to grow the crop on the rich black soil of the corn 

 belt. The easiest way to secure a start with artichokes is to pur- 

 chase a supply of seed and sow it under glass in February or early 

 March. The young seedhngs should be shifted to pots when three 

 or four weeks old, so that they can later be transplanted to the 

 open ground without disturbing the roots. Late in April the plants 

 may be placed in the field, about four feet apart each way. Pre- 

 vious to planting, the soil should have been made very rich by 

 heavy manuring. Good cultivation should be given throughout 

 the season. If an earty start is secured, the plants may produce 

 a crop the first year. The edible part consists of the fleshy portions 

 of the unopened flower buds (Fig. 124). The buds are from three 

 to four inches in diameter. 



Winter Protection. — Whether or not the plants flower the first 

 season, they must be given protection to enable them to survive 

 northern winters. The usual method is to cover the crowns with 



