Cardoon

Cardoon Care

Cynara Cardunculus

What is the plant

The cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, also called the artichoke thistle, is a thistle in the sunflower family. It is a naturally occurring species that also has many cultivated forms, including the globe artichoke. It is native to the western and central Mediterranean region, where it was domesticated in ancient times and still occurs as a wild plant.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

7b - 10

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Invasive

Weed

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water thoroughly after planting, and then, give a new plant a good soaking once a week during summer, unless rainfall is plentiful (more than 1in per week). Established plants are drought resistant.
Pruning
Cardoon will be ready for harvest 4 to 6 weeks after blanching. Cut stalks off at ground level and trim away the leaves.
Fertilizer
Add aged compost to planting beds before planting and again at midseason.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Provide bright light.
Soil
Although cardoons can grow in nutritionally poor soil (highly acidic or alkaline), they prefer full sun and deep, rich soil. As mentioned, they can be divided or planted by seed propagation.
Temperature
It germinates best at 75°F (24°C). Cardoon will be ready for harvest about 120 days after planting.