EYE-CATCHING blooms

Follow Conrad and Louise’s lead and grow these veggies for their striking flowers.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) PLANT GUIDE

Perennial Height 100–150cm

Position Full sun Sow in seed trays

Sowing time October to January

Germination 7–10 days at 20–26ºC*

Transplant seedlings 4–6 weeks later, from November to March

Spacing 100cm apart

Flowering season Summer

Growing tip Provide well-drained, compost-rich loamy soil.

Harvesting tip The neck under the fruit/ flower must be firm before you pick them; they can be picked closed, half-open or open.

Onion (Allium) PLANT GUIDE

Annual Height 75–100cm Position Full sun Sow in seed trays or directly in the soil Sowing time January to April

Germination 10–20 days at 18–20ºC* Transplant seedlings 8–12 weeks later, from March to May

Spacing 15cm apart

Flowering season October to January Growing tip Alliums like compost-rich, well-drained soil.

Harvesting tip Pick flowers in bud or when already open.

* Seeds take longer to germinate in cooler weather.

Wild carrot (Daucus carota ‘Dara’) PLANT GUIDE

Annual

Height 120cm

Position Full sun

Sow directly in the soil

Sowing time All year round

Germination 12–16 days

Spacing 30cm apart Flowering season 90 days after sowing

Growing tip Wild carrots prefer sandy soil with good drainage.

Harvesting tip Pick when 80% of the small flowers that make up one large flower cluster have opened.