202 



PERENNIAL CROPS 



a foot of earth late in the fall, and, if the weather becomes severe, 

 to supplement this covering with a layer of leaves or coarse manure. 

 Propagation of Suckers. — Early in the spring the covering is 

 removed. Unless the plants have been winter killed, growth soon 

 starts, including numerous suckers or side shoots. Most of these 

 should be removed. They may be used in starting a new planta- 

 tion; in fact, this is the usual method of propagating globe arti- 

 chokes after a start has been secured, for the varieties are not sure 

 to come true from seed. Suckers for planting are taken only from 

 plants of the most desirable type. In removing the suckers from 

 the parent plant, care must be taken to secure a small portion of 

 the crown with each sucker. Otherwise the suckers will not 



readily strike root. After re- 

 moval, the suckers may be 

 planted temporarily in a nurs- 

 ery row, or permanently in the 

 garden or field. An abundant 

 supply of moisture must be af- 

 forded them at the start; other- 

 wise they will die. 



Although the globe arti- 

 choke is a perennial, the same 

 plant does not produce good 

 crops for more than three or 

 four years. Hence, new plant- 

 ings should be made at frequent 

 intervals. Winter protection 

 should be provided every year. 

 The Jerusalem artichoke is 

 an entirely different plant, forming tubers somewhat resembling 

 the potato. These are sometimes used as food, but more often as 

 feed for swine. When once planted Jerusalem artichokes persist 

 indefinitely. They are exceedingly difficult to eradicate, and may 

 become worse than weeds. 



Fig. 124. — Flower bud of globe artichoke. 



SEA-KALE 



Sea-kale is a hardy perennial vegetable, quite popular in 

 England, but little grown in other countries. It is offered by 

 American seedsmen, and is occasionally found in American gardens. 

 The parts used are the large succulent leaf stalks. These arise 

 from the crowns very early in the spring, and are ready for the 



