2 2 THE BOOK OF RARER VEGETABLES 
be done in fine weather. Any of the lower small or 
yellow leaves should be cleaned away, and those that are 
to be blanched should be secured in an upright position ; 
if they are at all spiny this needs care, as they break 
readily, and I find it best to give several loose ties. These 
can be removed as the work proceeds. To cover the 
lower portion of the stalks many persons use haybands. 
These are wound round from the base and a good body 
of soil pressed close against the haybands to exclude 
air and moisture, the upper portion for 12 inches only 
being drawn together, not moulded. There are other 
methods. Large drain pipes may be used. These drawn 
over the plant and then filled in with fine soil or sand 
answer well. I have also seen stout brown paper or coarse 
canvas bands used in the place of haybands, but whatever 
is used must be sufficient to effect the blanching and 
exclude air. If the plants are moulded up early in 
October, they will be fit for use in a month’s time. 
The later plants should be left growing as long as 
possible before covering. The plant is tender, but it 
may be kept good for some time if lifted before being 
frozen, preserving the root, and placing in a dry place. I 
have lifted and placed them in sand in a root store, getting 
a good ball of earth, and kept them sound till March. 
The later and medium-sized plants winter well grown 
from seed, as they are smaller and lift well. If it is 
desired to save any good kind, the plant is easily 
produced from suckers, but then there must be no 
blanching, and it will be necessary in most places to 
protect from frost or, what is better, to place stools in 
frames, or pot up and plant out in the spring ; but I 
think this plant quickly degenerates if grown in the 
same soil for years, and as good material can be obtained 
from seed, I do not advise growing plants for general 
use. The Cardoon is in season from October till 
March. 
