Purchasing artichoke seeds on ebay from USA...

[Diva1983]

Now, I'll be the first to admit I'm new to growing my own veg (and fruit) and have become the owner of a rather large collection of seeds. However I'm after some Imperial Star Artichoke seeds (as I have no patience-well I do, kind of ). I've looked online and have spotted some on ebay-but the seller is in the States.

Is it okay (legal) to buy seeds from abroad to be shipped into the UK?! I may sound a bit mad but I watch this show on tele about Australias boarder control and they seem to have strict rules on seeds/plants and well the last thing I need is for a packet of seeds to provide me with a big headache.

I am right in thinking Imperial Star Artichokes will be edible the first year they are planted?

Diva

[Snadger]

I think you're ok shipping seeds to the UK from across the pond............but some states in America are strict about seeds going tuther way!

[BarleySugar]

I don't know the answer to your question, but these are available in the UK at Vegetable Seeds Artichoke and Asparagus seed, Artichoke Plant 'Imperial Star' (Cynara cardunculus (Scolymus Group) 'Imperial Star').

This one seems remarkably cheap, £1.15 +£0.90 p&p, and they are organic, if that weighs with you. Vegetable Seeds Organic - The Green Chronicle Online Shop

I have to say though I haven't ordered from any of these so I cannot recommend them as suppliers.

[Rhona]

I am right in thinking Imperial Star Artichokes will be edible the first year they are planted?

Diva

Not for me! I believe you're right - with the right conditions/following wind/fairy dust/growing season they can produce in the first year, but I've also been told 'tis better to leave until second year. Mine did very little but I'll probably try them again at some point as I LOVE artichokes... good luck!

[smallblueplanet]

I am right in thinking Imperial Star Artichokes will be edible the first year they are planted?

Search for Imp Star on vegging out, there was a longish thread on it and other globies last year - IS is grown in the States as an annual artichoke, but is a perennial. Ours grown last year didn't crop but we were late planting them out.

I have bought stuff from the States, but with the exchange rate now it would have to be a very good deal or something not available here to bother now. This place also sells IS arti's.

ARTICHOKE

[Mcbee]

The DEFRA or HMRC websites will probably have some info on importing seeds

[Diva1983]

Thanks folks for all the advice.

So I've decided to purchase some seeds and see how that goes and as I'd really like to have some artichokes to eat this year I'm also going to look at purchasing some plants...

Diva