The trouble with growing artichokes from seed, is sometimes they revert back to their less productive and wild type. I think this one has done so as it has a lot more spikes on the leaf tips and resembles the wild one (they are all over Altona and are edible but you need to prepare them with riggers gloves as they are very spiky). I will let it grow and compare it to the others. All these 3 were grown at work and over the summer were neglected in their watering or suffered on the 40 degree plus days, but due to their tuberous root came back, so they haven't actually flowered yet. Hpefully should get a big crop next year, and some suckers that I can plant at the back. Although to hide the neighbours I am thinking of planting Salvia karwinskii as it grows to 2-3m and has spectacular flowers, and can survive on little water. But we shall see.
This blog is about all things edible and how to grow them, from my experiances as a home gardener and in my job as a horticulturist and teacher in sustainable and edible gardening, follow my mishaps and adventures as I explore organic and sustainable vegetable gardening around the world and practice my findings in Geelong, Australia.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Reverted Artichokes
The trouble with growing artichokes from seed, is sometimes they revert back to their less productive and wild type. I think this one has done so as it has a lot more spikes on the leaf tips and resembles the wild one (they are all over Altona and are edible but you need to prepare them with riggers gloves as they are very spiky). I will let it grow and compare it to the others. All these 3 were grown at work and over the summer were neglected in their watering or suffered on the 40 degree plus days, but due to their tuberous root came back, so they haven't actually flowered yet. Hpefully should get a big crop next year, and some suckers that I can plant at the back. Although to hide the neighbours I am thinking of planting Salvia karwinskii as it grows to 2-3m and has spectacular flowers, and can survive on little water. But we shall see.
mmmmm love artichokes!!! I had no idea that this could happen! I grew mine from seed, will have a closer look at them in the morning and see if they look wild!
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