-04 GARDENING FOE THE SOUTH. 



part whence the young shoots spring, lleinove all these 

 shoots but two, or at most three, leaving the most vigor- 

 ous, taking care to select those lowest down on the stock, 

 as the strong, thick ones from the crown have hard, woody 

 stems, and produce but indifferent heads. 



Although the artichoke is a perennial, yet after the 

 fifth year, the heads grow small and dry. The beds should 

 iu consequence be broken up at this time, or as soon as 

 they begin to fail, and fresh ones be formed on another 

 site. 



As the newly-made beds come into flower alter the 

 season for the old plants is over, those fond of this vege- 

 table will prefer to make a new plantation every year. 



Artichokes are made to attain a much larger size than 

 they otherwise would by twisting a ligature tightly 

 around the stem below each head, and thus preventing 

 the reflux of the sap. 



The artichoke is much benefited by the application of 

 seaweed or any other manure containing common salt. 

 This is probably in a great measure because salt keeps the 

 soil moist. 



Chords. — After the best heads have been cut, when old 

 plantations are to be destroyed, cut off the stems as low 

 as possible, and the leaves within six inches of the ground. 

 When the new leaves are two feet high, blanch them, as 

 directed for Cardoons, which many think they excel. 



For Seed. — Select a few of the finest heads and permit 

 them to flower. Bend over the stalk and tie the head to 

 a small stake, to prevent the water from settling among 

 the expanded scales. When the flower has withered, the 

 seeds will be ripe. One ounce of the seed will produce 

 about six hundred plants, and for three and sometimes 

 five years will vegetate freely if kept cool and dry. Put 

 away in paper bags for use. 



Properties and Use. — The artichoke is wholesome, jot 



