Cardoon, Prickly Artichoke, Artichoke Thistle, Desert Artichoke, European Cardoon, Scotch Thistle, Scottish Thistle, Spanish Artichoke, Wild Artichoke, Wild Cardoon
Cynara cardunculus, commonly known as Cardoon or Artichoke Thistle, is a dramatic herbaceous perennial grown for its edible leaf stalks and architectural beauty. Native to the Mediterranean, this thistle-like plant is closely related to the globe artichoke and belongs to the daisy or sunflower family (Asteraceae), which includes other major edible plants such as lettuce, chicory, sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, safflower, dandelion, daisy, calendula, tarragon, and wormwood.
Cardoon is indigenous to southern Europe and North Africa. It thrives in dry, sunny areas and is well adapted to Mediterranean climates.
Cardoon is a vigorous, upright, clumping perennial with deeply cut, silver-gray (sometimes gray-green) spiny leaves and tall flower stalks, giving it a dramatic, architectural look
Mature plants can reach 3 to 6 feet (90–180 cm) tall and 2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm) wide.
Cardoon is perennial in zones 7–10, but is often grown as an annual or half-hardy perennial in colder regions due to winter sensitivity.
The plant produces large, thistle-like flowers in shades of purple-violet, which bloom in summer and attract a wide range of pollinators.
Cardoon forms small dry fruits called achenes, each containing a seed. These are not typically harvested.
With deeply lobed, spiny silver-gray leaves that can exceed 3 feet (90 cm) in length, cardoon adds dramatic texture to both ornamental and edible gardens. Unlike its cousin the artichoke, it’s the blanched leaf stalks—not the flowers or fruits—that are harvested and eaten.
Cardoon is hardy in USDA zones 7–10. In cooler climates, it should be mulched heavily or treated as an annual.
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Cardoon blooms are rich in nectar, attracting bees and butterflies. The large flower heads may provide food for seed-eating birds later in the season.
Cardoon is generally deer and rabbit resistant due to its spiny foliage.
May cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals due to cynaropicrin. Poison severity is low. Not toxic if ingested.
Cardoon has naturalized and become invasive in regions such as California, Australia, and parts of South America, where it spreads in grasslands and displaces native vegetation.
Growing cardoon is both rewarding and visually impressive. Grown for its tender leaf stalks rather than flower buds, cardoon adds drama and flavor to the garden.
Cardoon prefers full sun for robust growth. Choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Cardoons thrive in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A slightly alkaline to neutral pH is ideal. Avoid soggy or poorly drained areas.
Keep soil evenly moist, especially while plants are establishing. Once mature, cardoons can tolerate short dry spells, but regular watering ensures tender stalks.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring, then supplement with nitrogen-rich feeds every few weeks to encourage lush foliage. Mulch with compost or manure to retain nutrients and moisture.
Start seeds indoors in late winter and transplant after the last frost. Seedlings should be about 12 inches (30 cm) tall before transplanting. Cardoon can also be propagated by root division.
These bold plants need space—set them 3 to 4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. Their large size makes them ideal as edible ornamentals or structural accents in garden beds.
Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In colder zones, apply heavy mulch in autumn to protect crowns from frost.
Remove faded leaves and flower stalks to maintain appearance and encourage new growth. In fall, cut back to 12 inches (30 cm) and cover crowns in cooler climates.
In zones 7–10, cardoons may overwinter with mulch protection. In colder areas, grow them as annuals or dig up roots for indoor storage and replant in spring.
Cardoons are harvested for their leaf stalks—not buds—before flowering.
Harvest in late fall after blanching the stalks for 4 to 6 weeks to reduce bitterness. Wrap the stalks in paper or cloth and tie them to exclude light.
Cut the blanched stalks near the base using a sharp knife. Wear gloves—cardoons are spiny and can cause skin irritation. You can harvest the whole plant or individual stalks as needed. Outer stalks are generally tougher; inner stalks are preferred for eating.
Trim away leaves and fibrous parts. Use stalks immediately or refrigerate for up to a week. For best taste, cook within a few days of harvesting.
– Blanch stalks before harvesting for milder flavor
– Choose the inner, more tender stalks
– Harvest before flowering for optimal texture
Cardoon must be cooked before eating—never consumed raw.
Propagating cardoons is an excellent way to grow new plants and maintain vigorous, healthy clumps. You can propagate cardoons by seed or division.
Sow cardoon seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, about ½ inch (1.25 cm) deep in a moist seed-starting mix. Keep them warm and well-lit—germination typically takes 10–14 days. Once seedlings have five true leaves and reach 12 inches (30 cm) tall, harden them off and plant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Seed-grown cardoons tend to be vigorous but can vary slightly in size and leaf quality.
Cardoons can also be propagated by dividing mature clumps every 4–5 years in early spring. Look for robust new shoots at the base. Using a sharp, clean knife, separate these shoots with some root attached. Trim the foliage to reduce water loss and replant immediately into rich, well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. This method ensures uniformity and rejuvenates aging plants.
– Seed: Late winter to early spring (indoors)
– Division: Early spring when new growth begins
Regular propagation helps maintain strong growth, enhances productivity, and fills your garden with beautiful, edible foliage.
Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Compositae |
Common names | Artichoke, Cardoon |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" - 48" (90cm - 120cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Compositae |
Common names | Artichoke, Cardoon |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" - 48" (90cm - 120cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
How many Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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