In Italy the receptacles, dried, are also largely used in soups. The whole plant has a peculiar smell and a strong bitter taste. It was reputed to be aperient. If the weather be dry, they will need watering, and during hot weather water and liquid manure should be given freely to ensure a good supply of large heads. Seedlings that are started well in a suitable bed do better than plants from suckers, especially in a dry season.
Vigorous seedlings send down their roots to a great depth.
To get large heads, all lateral heads should be removed when they are about the size of a large egg. After the heads are used, the plant should be cut down. The Artichoke is hardy on dry soils in winters of only average severity. The flower-stems grow erect and attain the height of 4 to 6 feet. They are each terminated by a large globular head of imbricated oval spiny scales of a purplish-green colour.