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Cardoon


content_img.757.img.jpgTender herbaceous perennial – Full Sun

 

Scientific Name: Cynara cardunculus (sigh-NAH-ra car-doon-KEW-lus)

 

Height: 6 - 8"

 

Spread: 4 - 5"

 

Spacing 3 - 4"

 

HABIT: Large, dramatic plant that should normally be treated as an annual. Huge gray-green, deeply cut, fuzzy leaves. Forms dramatic purple flowers that resemble thistle.

 

CULTURE: Likes deep, moist soil during the growing season but will rot in wet soil in the winter.

 

USES: Leaf stalks to soups and stews. Dramatic or decorative specimen or a backdrop plant for larger herb gardens.

 

PROBLEMS: Can't stand wet feet. Grows very large, not suitable for small herb gardens.

 

HARVEST: Use fresh leaf as needed.

 

NOTES: Mice like the seed, so be careful with the propagation location. Cardoon is a very close relative of the edible globe artichoke.

 

Photos submitted by K. Atchley

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