Short to long stalks with clusters of flat, greenish spikes. Spikes can be up to 1 inch long. A few long leaves and the seedhead appear at the top of a long bare stem. Seed reproduction. Prefers sandy, moist conditions.

Dark green leaves and stems on mat-forming perennial. Grows up to 6 inches tall. Rhizomes are reddish purple. Three short leaves below simple round seedhead. Seed and rhizome reproduction. Prefers excessive moisture.

Flower spikes and slim leaves form “umbrellas” atop dark green stems. Thrives with roots submerged in water, by a pond or pool. Can grow as an indoor plant. Best flowering and growth results appear in full sun, but can tolerate […]

The Sedge family (Cyperaceae) is as widespread as the grass family, but are especially common in wet or moist habitats in temperate and subarctic zones. The stems of sedges are solidly filled with pith, and do not have nodes. They […]

‘Vert de Laon’ is one of the best-flavored varieties of artichoke available. When starting from seed, do everything you can to induce rapid growth in the plants, because in the end it will result in a bigger harvest. Start seeds […]

‘Imperial Star’ is an excellent variety to grow as an annual, and produces a good crop the first year. Buds are spineless, 3-4 inches across, and glossy green. When starting from seed, do everything you can to induce rapid growth […]

‘Green Globe’ is perhaps the best-known artichoke variety. The flower buds are edible in the early summer, each plant producing 3-4 the first year. Each bud will be 2-5 inch in diameter with good tender hearts. Hardy variety does well […]

When starting from seed, do everything you can to induce rapid growth in the plants, because in the end it will result in a bigger harvest. Start seeds inside between February and March, and transplant out in 8 weeks, after […]

‘Violetto’ is an especially early-producing variety which is best treated as an annual and not overwintered. Cardoons are a relative of the artichoke, and require much the same cultural conditions and care. Plant indoors about 8 weeks before the soil […]

‘Gigante’ is an Italian selection which is excellent when blanched (for instructions on blanching cardoons, see below). Cardoons are a relative of the artichoke, and require much the same cultural conditions and care. Plant indoors about 8 weeks before the […]