With thistle-like leaves and purple flowers, these striking ornamental edibles make a towering statement in your garden.
Depending on the climate, cardoon is grown as anannual or a perennial.
The celery-like ribbed stalks may be blanched, steamed, or braised.
The large, thistle-like, globe-shaped flowers are violet-purple and make striking, long-lasting flowers.
Where to Plant Cardoon
Plant cardoon in a location withfull sun.
If you are planning to harvest the stalks, high soil fertility is key.
For an ornamental, average soil will do.
Cardoon grows in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
you could also plant it in a vegetable or kitchen garden.
Its bold, dramatic appearance makes cardoon a showstopper no matter where you plant it.
If you have the space, plant a cluster of three cardoon plants to maximize its eye-catching appearance.
In some warm climates, such as in California, cardoon has become an invasive species.
The plant aggressively self-seeds, which has led to the plant encroaching on wildlands.
Spray the soil with water to keep it evenly moist.
Thin to 1 plant per pot and remove the weaker seedlings, cutting them at the soil level.
Harden off the seedlings and transplant them in the garden after the danger of frost is past.
Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
Rich, fertile soil high in organic matter with apHof 6.57.0 is ideal.
Because of its impressive taproot, cardoon is quite drought-tolerant.
However, if you grow it as an edible, confirm it receives a constant supply of moisture.
Under drought stress, the leaves and stalks become pithy and inedible.
In a hot climate, cardoon is not long-lived.
Heat also affects the taste.
Protect cardoon from strong winds by planting it in a sheltered location.
Mulch around the base to protect the root from the winter cold.
In climates with cold winters, cardoon is grown as an annual.
Pruning
Prune damaged or diseased leaves any time.
Perennial cardoon dies back to the ground during the winter.
In the spring, remove the debris to make room for the new growth.
Pollination
Cardoons are self-pollinating although the plants attract bees and other pollinators.
Also, the considerable height of the plant makes it likely to topple over.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more water and fertilizer than plants in the landscape.
Powdery mildew is a common late-summer occurrence.
How to Propagate Cardoon
Cardoons are mostly propagated from seed as described under planting instructions above.
For cultivars, it is best to purchase seeds from a seed company.
Leave the wrap in place for 3 to 4 weeks.
Remove the wrap and cut the stalks at the base with a large, sharp knife.
Remove the leafy growth; only the tender core of the stalks is eaten.
The stalks of this variety have been bred to have significantly fewer spines than the species.
As a perennial, it grows over 7 feet in height so it may also need staking.
It spreads slowly over time and adds stunning vertical accents wherever it is planted.
This warm-season grass blooms in mid to late summer.
With its low-growing silver foliage, it makes a good bedding plant.
What all coleus have in common is that they are easy-to-grow annuals that need warmth and moist soil.
The result is a long-lasting garden that will require minimal maintenance year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
In a mild climate, a cardoon plant lasts up to 10 years.
In cooler climates where cardoon does not survive the winter, it is grown as an annual.
The two plants are closely related but different.
Artichokes are a domesticated variety ofCynara cardunculuswhereas cardoons are the wild form of that species.
