Cardoon

What you'll need:

Cardoon seeds or young plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A large pot or a spacious area in your garden

Rich, well-draining soil (if the soil is too heavy, mix in some compost or sand)

Basic fertilizer (a vegetable or all-purpose one works fine)

When to start:

Cardoons are cool-season plants, so they're best planted in early spring once the danger of frost has passed. If you live in a warmer climate, you can also plant them in late summer for a fall harvest.

Finding a good spot:

Cardoons love full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They need plenty of space because they grow tall and wide—up to 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)! So, make sure you have enough room in your garden or use a big container if planting on a balcony or patio.

Tip: Cardoons are related to artichokes and look similar, but we eat the leaf stalks rather than the flower buds.

If you have seeds:

1. Start by sowing the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
2. Fill small pots with moist soil and plant 1-2 seeds per pot, covering them lightly with soil.
3. Place the pots in a sunny spot or under grow lights, keeping the soil moist.
4. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and outdoor temperatures are warm enough, they’re ready to be moved outside.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole in the ground or in a large pot, making it twice as wide as the root ball.
2. Gently place the plant into the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
3. Backfill with soil, then press down gently around the base to secure the plant.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.

Plant spacing:

• Space the plants about 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart if planting in the ground.
• If using containers, choose a pot at least 18 inches (45 cm) wide for each plant.

Tip: Cardoons grow quickly, so don’t overcrowd them—they’ll need room to spread out.

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Cardoons like water but don’t want to sit in soggy soil.
• Aim to water deeply once or twice a week, depending on how hot and dry it is where you live.
• If the leaves start to droop, it’s a sign they need more water.

Feeding:

• Feed your cardoons every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Just sprinkle it around the base of the plant and water it in.
• You can also add compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant to give it an extra nutrient boost.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• Cardoons thrive in full sun but can handle some shade, especially in hotter climates.
• They prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). In very hot areas, provide some afternoon shade to prevent stress.

Pruning & Maintenance:

• As the plant grows, remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep it healthy.
• If you notice the plant getting too tall or leggy, you can stake it to prevent it from falling over.
• To encourage tender stalks (which are the edible part), you can "blanch" the inner leaves by tying them together or wrapping the plant with burlap for a few weeks before harvesting.

Tip: Blanching keeps the inner stalks tender and less bitter, making them tastier when cooked.

When to harvest:

• Cardoon stalks are usually ready to harvest about 3-4 months after planting, typically in late summer or early fall.
• The best time to harvest is when the stalks are about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) thick and still tender.
• You’ll know they’re ready when the plant has reached its full size and the inner stalks feel firm but not too tough.

How to harvest:

1. Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the outer stalks at the base of the plant.
2. Leave the inner stalks to continue growing if you want a longer harvest period.
3. Be careful not to damage the central part of the plant, as it will keep producing new stalks.

Storing your cardoons:

• After harvesting, you can store cardoon stalks in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If you have more than you can eat fresh, you can blanch and freeze them for later use in soups or stews.

Tip: Cardoons are often cooked like celery, so think of them as a hearty, flavorful addition to soups, stews, or gratins!

Q: My cardoon plant is getting really tall. Is this normal?

A: Yes, cardoons can grow quite tall—up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)! If it starts to lean, consider staking it to prevent it from falling over.

Q: Why are my cardoon leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can mean overwatering, underwatering, or a lack of nutrients. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. If the soil feels dry, water more; if it’s soggy, let it dry out a bit before the next watering. Also, ensure you’re fertilizing regularly.

Q: Can I grow cardoons in containers?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure the container is large enough—at least 18 inches (45 cm) wide and deep. Cardoons have extensive roots, so they need plenty of room to grow.

Q: What do I do if my cardoon flowers?

A: If your cardoon starts flowering, it means the plant is trying to go to seed. While the flowers are pretty, you’ll want to remove them to focus the plant’s energy on producing tasty stalks.

Q: Are cardoons invasive?

A: Cardoons can self-seed if you let the flowers mature and drop seeds, but they aren’t aggressively invasive. To prevent spreading, simply remove the flower heads before they set seed.