{"product_id":"30-cardoon-seeds-cynara-cardunculus-ornamental-edible-perennial","title":"30 Cardoon Seeds – Cynara Cardunculus Ornamental Edible Perennial","description":"\u003cp\u003eCardoon (Cynara cardunculus) is a striking ornamental and edible perennial that brings architectural drama to the garden. With its deeply lobed, silvery-gray foliage and towering stems, it makes a bold statement in borders, cottage gardens, and edible landscapes. In summer, large thistle-like purple flowers bloom atop tall stalks, attracting pollinators and adding vertical interest. The artichoke-flavored stems and flower buds are a traditional culinary delicacy, often braised, roasted, or used in soups and stews.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis versatile plant is a close relative of the globe artichoke and is equally at home in a vegetable patch or a decorative flower bed. Its drought tolerance and deer resistance make it a low-maintenance choice for many gardens. Whether grown for its dramatic presence or its unique edible harvest, cardoon is a rewarding addition for gardeners seeking something distinctive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrnamental and edible perennial with artichoke-flavored stems and buds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilvery-gray, deeply cut foliage adds texture and contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTall stems topped with purple thistle-like flowers in summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttracts pollinators and is resistant to deer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrought tolerant once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cynara cardunculus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbaceous perennial (often grown as annual in cold climates)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, fertile soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; drought tolerant once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Upright, clump-forming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Hardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7-10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Season:\u003c\/strong\u003e Summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4-6 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-36 inches apart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow cardoon seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Press seeds lightly into the soil surface and keep moist at around 70°F. Germination typically occurs in 10-20 days. Once seedlings have several true leaves and danger of frost has passed, harden them off and transplant into the garden. Space plants 24-36 inches apart in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce frequency as plants mature. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. In colder zones, provide winter protection or grow as an annual. Harvest stems and buds when young and tender for culinary use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e30 Cardoon seeds (Cynara cardunculus).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67776106791222,"sku":"FOLIA-029","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6569075217_nrar.jpg?v=1792467598","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/30-cardoon-seeds-cynara-cardunculus-ornamental-edible-perennial","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}