[mikegm]

Just taken on a Lotty, could anyone identify this for me please, there are quite a few....

[Growster...]

Looks like a (very) late artichoke to me, Mike!

[8doubles]

Looks like a Globe artichoke to me as well, heads up to 15cm wide. Cardoon are similar but smaller up to 6cm wide.
 

[mikegm]

Thanks guys...I believe that name was mentioned by a chap when I first walked around the plot...

[mikegm]

Forgot to ask.....should these be dug out now and the ground cleared for new veg?

[savbo]

No it's a perennial, give it some manure or compost around the roots and if you are prone to heavy frost you can cover with straw or similar (I don't bother). Next year, pick and eat!

sav

[8doubles]

I like them as plants but as food i would say whip most of them out and plant sweetcorn if you need something to smother in butter !

[compostqueen]

You could shift it and plant it where it's not in your way. They make fabulous feature plants. Birds and insects love them   

[mumofstig]

Mine has got one more chance this year coming - so far 've only had 2 because the blackfly had all the rest - and no matter how much I soaked them I couldn't get the little blighters out 

[compostqueen]

You can put them to the back of the garage in the darkest corner, leaving the door partly open so the little darlings can head for the light

Failing that a pan of salt water 

[mumofstig]

Tried the salt water - some came off but it was disgusting if you cooked them because they were deep inside YUK!

[compostqueen]

I tried the dark shed thing as the florist suggested it. It's used to get pollen beetles etc off blooms.

I think they're a faff and we don't get that many fruits off the plants as we don't grow enough to make it worthwhile.   We don't really get the weather they prefer.

They look very good in a bowl in the kitchen though, minus the insects