Occupations > Abercrombie's improved practical gardener; with a monthly calendar for the flower garden

ARTICHOKE.
Spring Dressing.
In the month of March or April, according as
the weather proves favourable, clear away the
litter and examine the stocks, and select two or
three of the strongest and best shoots for grow¬
ing and producing the next summer crop, and
remove the rest by pressing them off either with
the thumb, knife, or wooden chisel; then dig the
ground level, loosening it well about the crowns
of the roots of every plant.
Duration of the Plants.
The artichoke is a perennial plant, and con¬
tinues productive several years, providing some
good well-rotted dung be dug into the ground
every year at the winter dressing, otherwise it
will soon impoverish it so as to render the plant
unproductive. In the course of seven or eight
years, and with tho very best management, the
heads will degenerate and become smaller and
less succulent; therefore it is necessary to make
a new plantation about every six or eight years.
To save Seed.
Early in the summer select some of the first
and largest heads, and when the flowerets are
beginning to decay turn the head down, in a
pendulous manner, in order that the calyx may
throw off the wet. It, however, seldom ripens
seed in this country.