Cardoon – Cynara cardunculus
A large imposing specimen plant in any border producing huge, thistle like flowers on tall robust plants with striking silver green foliage. The tender mid-ribs can be blanched like celery and have a delicious artichoke-like flavour. A hardy perennial that will reach 2m+ in flower.
Cultivation advice Cardoon – Cynara cardunculus
- Best sown under glass from Early spring with warmth provided. Needs a min soil temp of 16c to germinate.
- Sow in well drained compost with added grit and barely cover seed. Germination 14-30 days.
- Transplant seedlings to their own post when large enough to handle as these develop quickly with a strong root system
- Acclimatise and plant out once danger of frost has passed with 1.5m spacing.
- Once planted out keep moist and mulch if possible.
- Once the main flower has finished, cut and this will encourage further shoots.
- After the first frost, cut down all the stems and cover the crown with straw or wood chip to protect over winter.
