Cardoon Seeds - Cynara Cardunculus - Delicious, Versatile, and Perennial
Quantity: 25 Seeds
Cardoon, aka Cynara Cardunculus, is a relatively unknown relative of the Artichoke; in fact, Artichokes were derived from Cardoon. This member of the Aster family originates in Southern Northern Africa, and is perennial down to zone 5. Instead of harvesting the underdeveloped buds as one would with Artichokes, Cardoon is grown for their delicious leaf stems which taste quite similar to Artichoke hearts. The plants are low maintenance and can thrive in many environments including poor soils, so are ideal for beginner and advanced gardeners alike. The flowers (which are a lot smaller than Artichoke flowers) attract a wide range of pollinating insects.
Cardoon is known for its nutritional density, and offers a wide range of compounds such as vitamins B, K, C, and E, as well as copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phospherous, zinc, calcium, and more.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
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Growing Instructions
Cardoon seeds benefit from a short stratification, so either keep them in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks, or sow them directly in the ground before the soil is too cold to work. Sow the seeds 1/8 - 1/4 inch deep. If the temperature is around 20ÂșC, tiny plants should emerge in 1-2 weeks. These plants thrive in hot and dry conditions, so even though they need be watered, be sure that the soil has adequate drainage. If grown indoors, harden off before planting in its final location in the spring.