Growing Cardoon

Cynara cardunculus : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P                

(Best months for growing Cardoon in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 55°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 20 - 59 inches apart
  • Harvest in 34-35 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best grown in separate bed.

Your comments and tips

02 Oct 21, Sue (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Caroline, I found that if I planted Catmint as a border, the deer wouldnt cross it. So saved my garden and had beautiful blue flowers
08 Oct 21, Trevor (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
They may not, as my sheep and goats do not. It must be the furry texture of te leaves or smell. Good luck, from Tasmania
05 Oct 21, Sue (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Try Plant world seeds
14 Oct 21, Leslie Trail (USA - Zone 6b climate)
You can also buy seeds at www.rareseed.com (Baker Creek seeds) They have a variety called "GOBBO DI NIZZIA" It is great for cooking or just for the flowers.
27 Apr 23, Lorraine Harla (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I use to live close to the Saw Mill Parkway in Westchester County in New York..I am looking for the Cardoon seeds that grew in that area. I notice there are several varieties. I would like to know where to purchase these seeds.
08 Feb 24, Sofia (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Hi! Can anyone suggest varieties that are likely to overwinter and establish as perennials in Zone 6b? Thanks!
13 Feb 24, Lyn barnard (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i obtain cardoon plants or seed on south africa
Showing 11 - 17 of 17 comments

yes you can grow them in the shade. I have had several varieties and some like the shade more than others. You should still blanch the cardoon though. If you do not blanch it you can still use it... I soak my trimmed, cleaned and chopped cardoons in water with vinegar. Then drain and put in a pot with water and a little salt. Then put it on the stove on high until just before it boils. Remove from heat and rinse. After that cook it or can it. This will remove most of the bitter. It tastes great but I imagine I am loosing some of the flavor when I do this. This is especially handy when I am going to harvest them in the middle of the summer since wrapping then in the heat seems to cause a lot of damage to the stocks. Its best to wrap and harvest in the spring or the fall.

- Leslie Trail

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