Cynara cardunculus
|
Cardoon
|
Currently unavailable |
Type/Hardiness |
Herbaceous, Perennial, Hardy |
Flowering period |
Summer |
Height |
78in/2m |
Light preference |
Full sun |
Soil preference |
Free-draining, fertile |
Sowing time/depth |
Mid-winter-May, |
|
The cardoon, also called the artichoke thistle, is a member of the sunflower family. It is native to the western and central Mediterranean region. A robust plant, growing up to 2.4m/8 feet tall, it produces large, purplish-pink, thistle-like flower heads above divided, grey-green foliage. The immature flowers, called globe artichokes, are eaten as a delicacy. |
Sowing and/or growing instructions |
Sow mid-winter to May, individually in 9cm pots in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Plant out when all danger of frost is past in free-draining, fertile soil in full sun. If sown early enough, plants should flower in their first year. |