Samphire and Globe Artichokes

[windowsillqueen]

I spotted on another thread that someone was propagating samphire. I LOVE samphire and can never find it to buy. Can't remember which thread or which person it was - does anyone know how to grow this? Would a toxic-fingered person like me manage????!!

Also, I'd love to grow globe artichokes. I seem to remember a friends house when I was a child, had a constant stock of globe artichokes. And they look quite impressive in the garden too... how would I go about this please?

[Oleander]

Globe artichokes are very easy to grow from seed, I managed it last year in my first year of growing. Just follow the instructions on the seed packet.

I understand that it's best not to allow them to flower in the first year, but to let the root stock build up it's strength. However, I couldn't bring myself to cut off the flower buds - see the attached!

I cut them back to the ground in late autumn, and I'm pleased to say that some very healthy growth is coming up from the roots now. Hopefully, we'll be eating artichokes this summer!

[Two_Sheds]

We have lots of wild samphire up here on the North Norfolk coast. btw, it doesn't have any protection from winter weather.

The most critical issue for growing Samphire is that it requires salty conditions.
Whether grown in the open ground or in a container it is best watered with a saline solution (1 teaspoon of proper sea salt in a pint of water).

Samphire prefers a light sandy soil and a sunny position. A warm sheltered position is ideal and protection from the worst of our Winters will ensure continuity from year to year. Samphire Plant (Salicornia europaea)

[windowsillqueen]

Gosh, I think I would struggle taking the flowers off too!!! They are beautiful - I'll get some growing when I've dealt with my dead dog veg patch problems.

I thought Samphire grew in salt marsh - I might leave it for this year and concentrate on learning how to be succesful with basic veg before I start getting all poncy!!! Shame, cos I do love samphire with dover sole.