Cardoon

Tender 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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