What to grow now
GLOBE ARTICHOKES & FENNEL
Why you should grow them While it may seem like growing your own fennel and globe artichokes is a di cult task, it’s actually simple – and they’re both attractive additions to any veg plot. Florence (or bulb) fennel has pretty, feathery foliage, while globe artichoke plants produce huge, striking flowers and arching, deeply lobed foliage.
When to sow
Sow ‘Florence’ fennel now or in late summer. It has a tendency to bolt (start flowering and ruin the crop) if it dries out or the temperature suddenly drops, so keep seedlings cosy under fleece in cool weather. Ideally, start globe artichokes from osets that are planted now. You can sow seed, but it takes longer for the plants to mature to flowering.
When to harvest
Harvest fennel bulbs about 12 weeks after sowing – these are the swollen bases of leaf stalks, and should be cut just above ground level. Cut artichoke flowers in late spring or early summer before the scales open. The bud scales have fleshy bases that can be scraped to remove the soft parts, and once you’ve pulled all of these o, you’ll reach the delicacy, which is the heart.
Varieties you won’t ind in the supermarket ‘Perfection’ fennel is noted for its fine flavour, with strong aniseed notes. ‘Italian Purple’ globe artichokes produce handsome purple-budded flowers that can be eaten raw when they’re tiny, rather than the usual method of steaming or boiling them when mature. ‘Violetta di Chioggia’ is also particularly noted for its ornamental qualities.
Alternative uses
After cutting the main fennel bulb, secondary shoots will grow from the stump, which are good in salads. Bees love globe artichoke flowers once they’ve matured. If you leave one or two on the plant to develop, you’ll help your veg plot pollinators, and enjoy the sight of the glorious purple blooms.
Other bene its
Florence fennel is a good source of potassium, which helps maintain fluid volume. Globe artichokes contain inulin, a starch that’s good for your gut microbes.
Learn more at gardenersworld.com/ lorence-fennel-grow-guide and gardenersworld.com/globe-artichokes