Skip to product information
1 of 1
Cardoon

Cardoon Seeds

Cardoon Seeds

50 Seeds
Regular price $2.49 USD
Sale price $2.49 USD Regular price
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Cardoon, with its celery-like stalks and artichoke-like flavor, is a unique addition to Mediterranean cuisine. Its slightly bitter taste adds depth to dishes when braised, roasted, or added to soups and stews.
  • NON-GMO
  • Container Friendly
  • Earthy Flavor
Expected delivery date:
29 Apr Usually ready in 2-3 days.

Growing Cardoon Seeds

  • Germination Rate

    10 to 20 days

  • Sun

    Full Sun (6+ hours per day)

  • Plant Type

  • Plant Size

    42 inches

  • Water Needs

    Keep soil evenly moist

  • Seed Depth

    1/4 inch light cover

  • Container Size

    Extra Large Pot (24–36 inch)

  • Expect To Harvest

    60-90 days

  • Zones

    7-11

  • Plant Spacing

    18 to 24 inches

  • Companion Plants

    Thyme, cabbabe, mustard greens, and kale

  • Common Problems

  • Pest

    Slugs and snails

  • Culinary Uses

    Cardoon, a relative of the artichoke, offers culinary versatility. Its stalks can be blanched and served like celery or added to soups and stews for a unique flavor. The tender inner leaves can be harvested and used in salads, while the mature outer leaves can be cooked similarly to chard or spinach. Additionally, cardoon can be breaded and fried, or braised in broth or wine until tender. Its mild, slightly bitter taste adds complexity to a variety of dishes, making it a versatile ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Growing Season

    Spring and Fall

  • Start Planting Indoors

    6 to 8 weeks before the last frost

  • Start Planting Outdoors

    6 to 8 weeks before the last frost

Growing Instructions

Starting your seeds

You can start cardoon seeds indoors using a heat mat to encourage germination. Once the seedlings sprout and grow a few sets of leaves, move them outdoors. Keep the soil moist and provide 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. When direct sowing cardoon seeds, plant them about 1/4 inch deep with a light cover of soil in well-drained soil. Space them 18–24 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow and develop their large, edible stalks.

Harvesting your seeds

When harvesting cardoon, cut the stalks close to the base using a sharp knife or shears. Harvest the outer stalks first, allowing the inner stalks to continue growing. Remove any tough or woody outer leaves before cooking. Store harvested cardoon in the refrigerator for freshness.