The Italian Gardener

Perennial plant with bright red meaty stems and a favourite stewed on its own in partnership with and served with custard. Do not eat the leaves. Should be grown in full sun to part shade in moisture retentive soil which has been fed with well rotted manure or good compost. Requires cold winter weather and will not do well in tropical climates. Sow seed in pots or punnets in early spring in a protected environment at a temperature of 18+ degrees. Germination in 4-14 days. Plant out 90cm apart after threat of frost has passed.