Edibles – Herbs – Cardoon

Cardoon 

Botanical name: cynara cardunculus 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: 2-5 ft in height with a 2-3 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 7-10 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in first growing season 

Foliage color: green/gray 

Flower color: purple 

Bloom time:  summer blooms and harvest 

Pruning instructions: deadhead withered blooms and foliage as needed 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the spring and summer months 

Landscape use: edible garden 

Special features: attracts pollinators, long-lasting blooms, disease resistant, deer resistant, fragrant blooms and foliage 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize with organic compost 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil:  loam 

Companion plants: dusty miller, feathered reed grass, snapdragons 

Toxicity level: safe for humans to eat but may cause a skin rash if foliage or sap comes in contact with skin for prolonged periods of time, mildly toxic for pets if ingested 

Invasive species: yes