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Cynara cardunculus

Cynara cardunculus
Artichoke thistle

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We will see the sowing in 2 months.

marc, 01/03/2022

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Value-for-money
Perennial plant Mediterranean cousin of the artichoke forming a clump of broadly cut silver-gray leaves from which emerge strong stems on which purple flowers bloom from June to October. Petioles and veins are consumed as vegetables.
Flower size
8 cm
Height at maturity
1.50 m
Exposure
Sun
Annual / Perennial
Perennial
Germination time (days)
8 days
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Sowing period April to May
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F
M
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M
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S
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N
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Flowering time June to October
J
F
M
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M
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J
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Description

Originally from North Africa, the Cardoon or Cynara cardunculus is a perennial plant related to our Artichoke. Like the latter, it forms a large clump of spiny, deeply cut leaves, with a silvery grey color, from which strong stems rise, bearing purple flowers from late spring to early autumn. The mature plant is 120cm (47.2 in) wide and 150cm (59.1 in) tall.
The flowers, 4 to 8 cm (3.1 in) in height, are spiny at their base and form a tuft of fine purple petals at the top.
The petiole and central vein of the leaves can be consumed as a vegetable after blanching. To do this, in September, lift and tie the leaves together. Wrap them in a black film without squeezing them too tightly to prevent them from rotting. 3 to 4 weeks later, they will be ready to harvest and cook. One plant can yield up to 3 kg of stalks.

The Cardoon likes the sun, deep and fertile, well-drained soil. It is sensitive to frost from -6°C, so it will need winter protection in many regions of France.

The ecological gesture:
At the end of the season, leave the dried inflorescences available to birds (goldfinches, tits, etc.) who will come and enjoy them.

Cynara cardunculus in pictures

Cynara cardunculus (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flowering time June to October
Inflorescence Flower head
Flowering description Head of 4 to 8 cm (1.6 - 3.1 in) with a thorny lower part and a top that forms a pompom of fine purple petals.

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour grey or silver
Foliage description Deeply cut silver-gray foliage with a large central vein.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.50 m
Spread at maturity 1.20 m
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Cynara

Species

cardunculus

Family

Asteraceae

Other common names

Artichoke thistle

Origin

Mediterranean

Product reference818111

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Planting and care

Sow your Cardoons directly in place in early May. Prepare your soil by adding 3 good shovelfuls of compost or manure. Make holes 150 cm (59.1 in) apart and sow 3 seeds in each hole. Cover the seeds lightly, firm the soil and water. Germination takes place between 5 and 8 days at 12-15°C. Once the plants have reached the stage of having 4 leaves, keep only one plant in each hole. The slow growth of the Cardoon allows for the cultivation of other vegetables between the plants until July.

During its growth, make sure the Cardoon does not lack water. Dig a small basin around each plant and mulch the base to maintain optimal moisture.

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Sowing period

Sowing period April to May
Germination time (days) 8 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Back of border, Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, in humus et bien exposé au soleil, le sol est idéal pour la culture de plantes vivaces. Les plantes vivaces offrent une grande diversité de formes, de couleurs et de textures, ce qui les rend très attrayantes dans les jardins. Elles peuvent être utilisées
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