This plant requires a deep, rich sandy loam, with a liberal supply of
well-rotted manure, is best suited for growing artichokes. Plant the
seeds as soon as the soil is warm in the spring, and when the plants
have formed three or four leaves they may be transplanted to rows 3
feet apart and 2 feet apart in the row. The plants do not produce until
the second season, and in cold localities some form of covering will be
necessary during the winter. This crop is not suited for cultivation
north of the line of zero temperature. After the bed is once
established the plants may be reset each year by using the side shoots
from the base of the old plants. If not reset the bed will continue to
produce for several years, but the burs will not be so large as from
new plants. The bur, or flower bud, is the part used, and the burs
should be gathered before the blossom part appears. If they are removed
and no seed is allowed to form, the plants will continue to produce
until the end of the season.