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
