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An Oriental/Indian mix that produces an abundance of fruit that is easy to prepare. Not only will these add interest to your greenhouse, they look amazing when cooked as well.Sow in a propagator on a windowsill or in a greenhouse at approximately 15-20°C (60-68°F) using a good quality, finely sieved, moist seed compost.Transplant seedlings into individual 7.5cm (3in) pots when large enough to handle. Plant in final growing position with 45cm (18in) between plants or into 30cm (12in) pots add canes/string to support plants as they grow. Best harvested when the fruit are still shiny and tender.

Producing large, purple-tinged tender heads of up to 13cm (5in)diameter, and offering greater tolerance to heat and cold than Green Globes. More productive in the first year after planting, and over the following 3-4 years.Sow seed singly in 7.5cm (3in) pots on the surface of a good free-draining, damp seed compost, and cover with 6mm (¼in) of compost or vermiculite. Seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at 18-20°C (64-68°F) until after germination which usually takes up to 21 days. Best sown under glass, but can be sown outdoors in April. Transplant during June.When well grown, gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for up to 14 days before planting out. Plant outside after all risk of frost, 90cm (36in) apart. Water well in dry weather and feed with liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks. Cut heads just before the flowers open, with 15cm (6in) of stem. Harvest sparingly in the first season. Plants will need some winter protection: cover the crown of the plant with bracken or straw.SERVING SUGGESTION: Wrap whole artichokes in foil, bake and serve with melted butter.

Increasingly popular ‘eat all’ vegetable, shiny mid-green leaves and white juicy stems. Use as salad leaves, mid sized or fully mature plants. Mature plants stand well in condition, harvest a few stems as required.Sow seed thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart.Thin seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart when large enough to handle, thinnings are suitable for using in salads. Harvest stems as required, picking only a few from each plant.To continue the organic life cycle of these seeds, gardeners should follow recognised organic growing methods, avoiding the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides.

Long, white stems if earthed up as the plants grow. Autumn to early winter maturity, just lift as required.Sow thinly, 1cm (¼in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.When large enough to handle, transplant into final positions, 23cm (9in) apart. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods. Earth up the soil around the stems as they develop.High in folic acid, potassium, pro-vitamin A and vitamin C. Contains beneficial sulphur compounds as well as a potent antioxidant called quercetin.