Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) - 30 seeds

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) – The Elegant Heirloom with Bold Flavor & Ornamental Flair 🌿🌾

Cardoon is a striking, artichoke-relative grown for its tender, celery-like stalks and bold, architectural appearance. Native to the Mediterranean, this heirloom vegetable is prized for both its culinary uses and ornamental value, with silvery, thistle-like foliage and vibrant purple blooms that attract pollinators and add drama to any garden.

Key Features:

🌿 Edible Stalks – Leaf stalks are blanched and cooked to bring out a flavor reminiscent of artichoke hearts.
🌿 Stunning Ornamental – Large, deeply lobed silver-gray leaves create a bold visual impact in gardens and landscapes.
🌿 Pollinator Magnet – Thistle-like purple flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
🌿 Cold Hardy & Perennial in Mild Climates – Can overwinter in USDA zones 7 and up; treat as an annual in cooler areas.
🌿 Unique Culinary Ingredient – Used in Italian and French cuisine, especially in gratins, stews, and as a flavorful braised vegetable.

How to Use Cardoon in the Kitchen:

• Blanch the stalks before harvesting to reduce bitterness and improve tenderness.

• Peel, chop, and boil or braise the stalks for a mild, artichoke-like flavor.

• Use in classic dishes like Bagna Cauda, Cardoon Gratin, or soup bases.

Growing Tips:

• Requires full sun and rich, well-drained soil.

• Start indoors and transplant after frost for best results.

• Blanch stalks by tying them together and wrapping in paper or cloth for 2–4 weeks before harvest.

• Grows 4–6 feet tall—ideal for the back of beds or as a dramatic focal point.

Cardoon is the perfect plant for adventurous gardeners and cooks who love growing the unexpected—beautiful in the garden and a rare treat in the kitchen. 🌿🍽️