OmniGrow

Cardoon

Variety

Also called Cynara cardunculus

Follow0 followers
CardDiscussion
Cardoon
Photo: peganum from Henfield, England · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Fact sheet

every fact quoted from its source
TypeAnnual, Perennial, Vegetable

“Cardoon, a close relative of the artichoke and native to southern Europe, is mostly grown as an eye-catching ornamental in the United States but in Mediterranean cuisine, it is also used as a vegetable.” — How to Plant and Grow Cardoon

Days to germination42–56 days

“Cardoon is vigorous and can be started 6–8 weeks before transplant date.” — Growing Cardoon: How to Plant, Grow & Care For | Johnny's Selected Seeds

Days to maturity80–117.5 days

from Artichoke · “Most artichoke plants mature in 75 to 150 days after you move them outdoors.” — How long until artichoke plants mature? - Smart Garden Experts

Germination temperature70–75 °F

“Germinate at 70–80°F (21–26°C) and keep soil moist until emergence.” — Growing Cardoon: How to Plant, Grow & Care For | Johnny's Selected Seeds

Lightfull sun, partial shade

“The plants should get full sun, but they will tolerate partial shade as long as it’s getting at least 6 hours of sunshine” — Growing Cardoon: How to Plant, Raise and Use This Remarkable Plant

WaterConsistent moisture

“While cardoon’s deep taproot makes it fairly drought-tolerant, ensure consistent moisture if you’re growing it for consumption.” — How to Plant and Grow Cardoon

Soil pH6.25–7

“Cardoon requires very fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5–7.0.” — Growing Cardoon: How to Plant, Grow & Care For | Johnny's Selected Seeds

Hardiness zones7, 8, 9

“Zones 7, 8, 9” — How to Plant and Grow Cardoon

Spacing24–36 in

“Transplant 2–3' apart in rows 3–6' apart.” — Growing Cardoon: How to Plant, Grow & Care For | Johnny's Selected Seeds

PropagationSeed

“Propagation Seed” — How to Plant and Grow Cardoon

Start indoors6–8 weeks before last frost

“Begin growing cardoons from seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your area’s last expected frost date.” — How to Plant and Grow Cardoon

TransplantAfter frost danger has passed

“Before transplanting, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions, then move them to the garden after all frost danger has passed.” — How to Plant and Grow Cardoon

Ready whenBlanch stalks by wrapping with cardboard or tying leaves together 3-4 weeks before harvest.

“Blanch stalks by wrapping with cardboard or tying leaves together 3-4 weeks before harvest.” — Cardoon Planting Guide | Zones, Dates & Tips

Edible partsstalks

“Harvest after blanching by cutting at the base of the stalks to keep them intact.” — Growing Cardoon: How to Plant, Grow & Care For | Johnny's Selected Seeds

Toxicitynot toxic

“Cardoon is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs” — Cardoon Care Guide: Watering, Light & Pet Safety | KeyBlossom

IndoorsThey like a lot of space for their roots. If you do grow in a container, choose at least a five-gallon pot.

“They like a lot of space for their roots. If you do grow in a container, choose at least a five-gallon pot.” — Growing Cardoon: How to Plant, Raise and Use This Remarkable Plant

Pestsaphids

from Artichoke · “Protect them from attacking pests such as aphids.” — How long does it take to grow artichokes from planting? - Garden and Plants

Who grows this

No grower lists Cardoon yet. Follow this card to hear when one does. Grow it yourself? Find your nursery and claim it.

Where this comes from