Best For The Garden

What is the best way to germinate artichoke seeds?

I’d like to try and grow some artichoke this summer and I the package claims that I should germinate the seeds 10-15 days before sowing them. What is the best way for me to germinate the seeds?

Hey Salix,

Wow, artichokes - I had to go look this up -

Direct Seeding
Where winters average above 15°F, seeds can be sown in the fall. Sow artichoke seeds ¼" deep in lightly moistened soil. If seeds are soaked ensure the soil is adequately drained or the seeds will probably rot before germinating.

Transplants
Sow artichoke seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last spring frost date. Sow ¼" apart and ¼" deep in lightly moistened potting mix in a flat or in a pot. As soon as seedlings can be handled, transplant to 2-4" pots or cell trays and grow at 60°F - 70°F days and 50°F-60°F nights. If seeds are soaked ensure the potting mix has adequate aeration ability or the seeds may rot. Artichokes are a not poplar garden crop in most areas, they are , as the expression goes "an acquired taste". If you have at least 100 frost-free days in your area you can grow them. The Artichoke is generally grown as a perennial, but can also be grown as an annual.

Planting Root Stock
Rootstock can be purchased from a nursery or alternately, a healthy plant can be dug up, the root divided into two or more parts and replanted. Root sections should be set at 6" - 8" deep in the soil. Irrigate the soil thoroughly before planting.

What types of plant seeds grow best in january and february?