[andyf75]

have recently found out about this amazing stuff and decided I need to grow some.

Was going to get some root off ebay, but I spotted a load of it growing wild along the edge of a field.

Should I just dig some up instead? or better to be sure its the right cultivar?

[mumofstig]

the one you find growing in the hedge seeded itself there - and it will do so all over your allotment site if you grow it 
Better to grow the Bocking 14 which doesn't seed everywhere 

[andyf75]

good point. Thanks will get some off ebay

[Kristen]

Likely to be plenty grown on your local allotment - some kind soul there might well let you have some roots? - its very easy to get going from bits of roots (often sold that way, rather than as plants).

[andyf75]

so if I just plant the bits of root now, the plants will come up by spring?

[Kristen]

so if I just plant the bits of root now, the plants will come up by spring?

Yup, should do. Its very robust, I think you would be very unlucky if they didn't just do their thing for you

[Kristen]

P.S. I'll hedge my bets! You could pot them and leave them in a cold greenhouse / cold frame over winter - less chance of them rotting, which I suppose they might if planted straight into the soil if we then get a wet winter, but I doubt it is necessary. Be interested to see what others think though.

[andyf75]

sounds like a good plan, thanks!

[gypsy]

I got some off ebay and it was not what I expected and is now trying to take over my back garden. I have some at the allotment which I just dug up from the side of the path at the allotments and stuck in the ground, that is well behaved.

[3759allen]

i brought seeds off premier seeds this year, i was concerned about it spreading but they assured me if you pinch out the seeds when they're young then they won't be any problem. they said they grow it this way to make their own compost.

[Kristen]

they assured me if you pinch out the seeds when they're young then they won't be any problem

I grew some from seed before I knew about Bocking 14. I tried to cut them down each year before the flowers set, but they still spread around the garden. Put weedkiller on them in the end