Sowing & Growing

Sow your seeds from February to March indoors or from March to April outdoors. When sowing indoors, use seed sowing compost in pots or trays within a greenhouse at a temperature of 18°C. For outdoor sowing, choose free-draining soil in mid-spring, once the soil has warmed up. Select an open, sunny location with well-drained soil for optimal growth. Plant 2 to 3 seeds, spacing them 30cm (12″) apart, and later thin them out so that the final spacing is 1 meter (39″) apart. Once the seedlings are sizable enough, transplant them into small pots, harden them off, and allow them to grow. Plant them outdoors 1 meter (39″) apart the following spring.

Prepare the planting site by incorporating plenty of well-rotted manure, and for clay soil, enhance drainage by adding horticultural grit. Prior to planting, rake in some general fertilizer. Expect a harvest from June to September the following year, and note that secondary heads will appear after the main harvest, offering an additional cropping opportunity. To safeguard the crowns during winter, provide protection with straw.