Cynara scolymus
Artichokes can be planted from April through to July and, in tropical climates, are a perennial-ish plant. They produce in their second year and will continue to do so for another 4-5 years.
Sow from seed directly into their final location, taking care to leave at least a metre between plants as they are quite large. You can also propagate from suckers once you have your own plants or if you know someone willing to share.
Being, in essence, a slightly domesticated thistle, these plants don’t need much attention and they are quite hardy, however, aphids can cause problems if not managed.
You need to be patient with these plants as you are unlikely to get a harvest in the first year. When it does produce, you should harvest the buds when they are large but not yet opened.
