United Kingdom

I have globe artichokes grown from seed last year and grew to about a foot high (no flowers) in the season. They've survived over winter without cover and now about 2-3 ft high, looking healthy and growing well.

I know that in their first year you have to cut off any flowers to get good harvests in subsequent years, my question is as this is technically their second can I harvest, or should I leave it another year as they were never big enough to flower in their first year?

Any advice welcome :)

• 13 Jun, 2012