Cardoon - Cynara cardunculis
An old Victorian favourite, once grown as a vegetable and blanched for use rather like celery, the cardoon is now valued for its striking silvery, thistle-like foliage which adds a theatrical touch to the border. In summer, tall flower stems are topped by fat thistle buds which resemble small globe artichokes - the plants are close cousins.
The buds finally open into large purple thistles which attract lots of bees; the dead flower-heads can be left on the plants and will provide an attractive feature over the winter months.
The Royal Horticultural Society have given it the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
There are several uses for cardoon. The most popular way to prepare it is to cook the leaves and tender stalks together. Cardoon may also be eaten fresh and uncooked in salads. Some say it has gentle laxative properties.
Blanching of the stalks before harvest is desired. This is accomplished by tying up the outer branches a foot or so from the top of the plant and piling soil up around the plant as it grows.
Grows to a height of 2.4m, spread 1m.
Very dramatic in the vegetable of flower border.
NOTE: This product can only be shipped within Ireland and the UK
What you need to know
- Size: Supplied in 1 litre pot
Price:
€4
Availability:
Available