(Cynara cardunculus) Cultivated for at least 3,000 years! The ancestor of artichokes, has spinier leaves and a non-edible flower head, but the stalks are harvested like celery and cooked. The leaves are bitter and should be removed. Harvest stalks when plants are 12-24 in. tall. Taller plants require blanching: wrap outer leaves and then wrap with old grocery bags to exclude light, using twine to hold the wrap tight. Harvest the blanched plants in a month. Prepare stalks by boiling in salted water with a twist of lemon to prevent discoloration. Serve as a vegetable or use in stews or soups. Also good pickled or dipped in batter and fried. Pkt (0.5 g, 14 seeds)

Growing instructions: Annual. Germination: 70°F. Transplant. Full sun. 48-72 in. tall.