Allotments 4 All

I have just received my artichoke seeds from Sarah Raven - arty seed package - says to sow under cover in Feb/March, but no temperature guide. Should I put them in my heated propagator, in the cold frqame outside or on the kitchen window sill [not that there is any room!]

Must be careful how I reply and not suggest in any way that you might not be able to afford the cost of running a heated propagator after buying from a certain supplier.

When they are big enough prick out into 3 inch pots and put them in the cold frame.

Plant them out when the soil is warmer and cut off any flower heads for at least one season,preferably two so that the plants establish properly.

After that they will go on for years

Got a note in my diary from last year that I sowed them in my heated propagator on 14th March, potted them up on 8th April and planted out on 29th April. Quite amazed that I had actually remembered to write all that down, knowing what my diary-keeping is usually like!Mind you, I'm much further north than you.

Are we talking about Globe Chokes?

Well, I am!

Yep, globe artichokes it is. Many thanks for the answers. I think I will just have enough pennies to put the the meter to keep the propagator going, Cleo!! They had better all germinate or I will just drive up the A12 to Rivenhall and demand some more!