15 MAY 2004, Page 95

Q. I am keen on rare vegetable one-upmanship. What seeds should I be planting now?

M.P., London W6 A. Scononera will be peaking in fashionability L' this time next year and is ready to plant now. Usually the roots are harvested as a winter crop; however, if left to flower the following spring the tightly folded buds can be picked and steamed before being fried lightly in butter, whereupon the flowers will open to decorative effect.