Cardoon
Cynara cardunculus

Name: Cardoon
SKU: S222
Rating: 0 (0 reviews)

SKU # S222

Product Type: Seed Packet

Approximate Seeds Per Packet: 30

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$4.00

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A gorgeous, bold architectural plant with jagged gray leaves up to 3' long and beautiful lavender purple thistle-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. Blanched stalks and roots are edible as well, eaten like celery and endive. It appreciates warm summers or a protected spot and regular fertilizer.

Lifecycle: Annual; tender perennial

Zone: 7,8,9

Hardiness: Half Hardy Annual

Size: 3-6' h x 2-3' w

Sun: Full sun

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained

Season: Summer to fall

Seed to Bloom: 16-18 weeks

Color: Lavender thistle-like flowers

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Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

Depth: 1/8"
Sprout Time: 5-15 days
Starting Indoors: Sow indoors in pots 8-10 weeks before last frost date; keep at 65-75°F.
Starting Outdoors: Direct sow in zones 8-10, 1 week before last frost date, protecting from frost if necessary.

When to Set Outside

1-2 weeks before last frost date to vernalize for flowering, protect from frost if necessary.

Placement & Cultivation

While often grown as a vegetable, Cardoon has a commanding presence in ornamental gardens as well, the silver jagged leaves often 2.5' in length. Grow in pots as it resents transplanting due to its deep taproot. Flowerheads that are unopened are similar to artichokes and are edible, as are the peeled stems from budded branches.
Final Spacing: 2-3'
Water Use: Medium Water Use
Watering Details: Moderate water, about 1" a week or less.
Soil pH: Not particular about pH.
Fertilizer: Mix 3" inches of compost into the soil prior to planting, or apply an organic pelletized or liquid fertilizer according to package instructions.
Diseases & Pests: No major problems. Avoid fungal issues by spacing properly in a location with good air circulation and soil drainage.

Plant Description

Plant: Upright habit with jagged, very sharp deeply lobed leaves, prickly and silvery-grey in color.
Seeds: If left to bloom and develop fully, flowers will produce seeds, but it is wise to bag the heads and shake them periodically to encourage pollination and prevent crossing with other plants, such as artichokes.
When to Cut: Harvest just before the bracts begin to spread open. Cut the bud off of the stem about 1.5-2" below the base of the bud. Immediately transfer to cool storage (<40°F). Keeps best if stored in cool humidity for two weeks post-harvest.

Fun Fact

The specific epithet cardunculus means resemblance to a small thistle.

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Cardoon
Cynara cardunculus

Growing Companions

Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

When to Set Outside

Placement & Cultivation

Plant Description

Fun Fact

Ratings & Reviews

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Cardoon Cynara cardunculus

Growing Companions

Growing Guide

Sowing Instructions:

When to Set Outside

Placement & Cultivation

Plant Description

Fun Fact

Ratings & Reviews

Notify Me

Email A Friend

Cardoon
Cynara cardunculus