Cardoon (Cynara scolymus) packet of 20 seeds, organic
$3.95
Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
Hardy to Zones 7 to 9, often grown as an annual maturing in 100 days.
Native to the Mediterranean, attaining a height of 5 feet in the first year, eventually rising to 8 feet with full maturity. Showy, silvery-leaved, like giant thistles but less spiny, cardoon is grown primarily as a vegetable. The blanched, fleshy leaf stems and midribs are steamed or baked and eaten like artichoke hearts. Traditional uses of tea of dried leaves (TWM): reduced LDL cholesterol and used in weight control programs. Source of cynarine. Plant prefers a sunny position in regular garden soil with moderate watering. Sow seed in warm soil, about as deep as it is wide, tamp and keep warm and moist until germination, which occurs in 7 to 10 days. Transplant to 3 feet apart.
20 seeds per packet, Certified Organically Grown
In stock
Question
susie –
how do you cook and eat cardoon. Can it be preserved for winter eating? i am in zone 5b, can it be grown in containers and moved in doors in a 40degree building?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Susie, Cardoon is definitely cold weather compliant although it will stop growing in a hard freeze. It is usually used for fresh stem use and not preserved. It is a great winter vegetable and is best grown in the winter garden. Zone 5b is pretty cold, you’d be looking at fall and spring harvest with these. richo
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Question
morph.brick –
Hello Richo, What’s the difference between this and globe artichoke? They have the same botanical name.
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Richo Cech –
hi momrph, if you click on the photo it gives you the monograph that examines this in greater depth, but in short globe artichokes make meaty, edible globes and cardoons make meaty, edible leaf stalks. r
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Lee (verified owner) –
I’m growing a cardoon plant for the first time from seeds I received from Strictly Medicinal. The seed germinated really well as all seeds have that I’ve received from this grower and the plant is stunning! I was going to use this as a food source but I want to let it grow because its so beautiful. I plan on started some other plants for harvesting. Thank you for the great seeds and all the growing information you provide!
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