I'm originally from San Francisco so I was raised with lots of fresh veggies and fruits. I miss the fresh artichokes and asparagus. I lived in San Jose for several years and bought a paper grocery bag of avacados for a $1. Similar prices on the others. I'm in missouri now and nothing like that here. I just cut off the stem and boiled them about 1 hour till a fork slides into the stem end easily. They are very good dipped in mayo. Enjoy yours also make artichoke dip. I pay $2.30 for just 1 here. Themachinelady can you Please tell me where you are getting the seeds?