Artichoke Cardy

Cardoon (Artichoke Cardy) from Southern Europe

Discover the intriguing Cardoon, sometimes referred to as Vegetable Artichoke Cardy, a fascinating plant hailing from southern Europe (*Cynara cardunculus*). Reaching heights of up to 70 cm in its first year and flowering in the second, Cardoon forms huge, widely spreading plants that can also serve as a striking ornamental feature in your garden.

Prepare the Stalks for a Nutritious Treat

Unlike artichokes where the flower buds are eaten, with Cardoon, the fleshy leaf ribs are the prized edible part. To prepare them, the traditional method involves bleaching the stalks by wrapping them with cloth and black foil for 2-3 weeks prior to harvest.

After bleaching, remove the skin, any spines, and larger fibers before steaming the nutritious stalks.

Optimal Growing Conditions and Harvest

For best results, plant your Cardoon seeds in nutritious, well-ventilated, and warm soils in a sunny location. Starting seeds under glass in April and planting out in May is recommended. Provide ample space with a row or planting distance of 100 cm x 100 cm.

Harvest typically occurs in October. This packet contains enough seeds for approximately 8 – 10 plants, allowing you to cultivate this unique European vegetable in your own garden.

• Origin: Southern Europe
• Growth Habit: Up to 70 cm tall in 1st year, widely spreading
• Ornamental Value
• Edible Part: Fleshy leaf ribs (require bleaching)
• Preparation: Remove skin, spines, fibers after bleaching, then steam
• Soil Preference: Nutritious, well-ventilated, warm
• Sow Under Glass: April
• Planting Out: May
• Plant Spacing: 100 cm x 100 cm
• Location: Sunny
• Harvest: October
• Content: Sufficient for approx. 8 – 10 plants

Order your Cardoon (Artichoke Cardy) seeds today and explore this unique and flavorful vegetable!