{"product_id":"cardoon-seeds-cynara-cardunculus-ornamental-edible-perennial-15-seeds","title":"Cardoon Seeds, Cynara cardunculus, Ornamental Edible Perennial, 15 Seeds","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 leaves and tall, thistle-like purple flowers, cardoon is as beautiful as it is useful. The artichoke-flavored stalks and flower buds are a traditional culinary delight in Mediterranean cuisine, while the bold foliage and impressive height make it a standout in borders and landscape plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis versatile plant is a favorite among gardeners who appreciate both form and function. Whether grown for its visual appeal or harvested for the kitchen, cardoon is a rewarding addition to any garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrnamental perennial with silvery-gray, deeply cut foliage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdible stalks and buds with a distinct artichoke-like flavor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTall, purple thistle-like flowers that attract pollinators\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrought-tolerant once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBold architectural presence in the garden\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 Perennial (often grown as annual)\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 to early fall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3-6 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, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds about 1\/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs in 10-20 days at temperatures around 65-75°F (18-24°C). Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, harden them off gradually before transplanting to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCardoon prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Mature plants are quite drought-tolerant. To blanch stalks for a milder flavor, tie the leaves together and mound soil around the base a few weeks before harvest. In colder zones, apply a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect the crowns.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e15 Cardoon seeds (Cynara cardunculus).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67835977597238,"sku":"FOLIA2-1458","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0994\/4884\/8694\/files\/il_fullxfull.6528456250_1z98.jpg?v=1793096764","url":"https:\/\/blakesflora.com\/products\/cardoon-seeds-cynara-cardunculus-ornamental-edible-perennial-15-seeds","provider":"Blake's Flora \u0026 Soil","version":"1.0","type":"link"}