Perennial in zones 7–11; grown as annual elsewhere. Needs winter cold (vernalization) to trigger bud formation — start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost and harden off carefully. Plants get 4–5 ft tall and wide. Harvest buds before scales open; primary bud is largest. In cold climates, mulch crowns heavily and cut back for winter. Plants peak in productivity years 2–5.

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