Cynara cardunculus

CARDOON

No TAS

Cynara cardunculus
CARDOON

Stunning heads of purple fluffy flowers make Cynara cardunculus a flowering beauty.
But for me it is the handsome, silver, heavily cut, large leaves that make the Cardoon (to give it it’s common name) a garden design essential.
Not permitted for entry to Tasmania

But it is also the darling of gardeners who like low maintenance and low water use.
Because Cynara cardunculus is an easy growing and low maintenance plant.
And these handsome silver clumps are also frost, heat & dry hardy.

It is an added bonus that rabbits and deer find Cardoon not to their taste.

Cynara cardunculus blooms all through summer with those striking purple heads. And they make lovely cut flowers too.

So plant Cardoons in Full Sun. Though they can also tolerate a little shade, as long as it is nice and dry.

1m. High with striking purple fluffy heads x 75cm. Wide arching clump of striking, handsome silver leaves.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suitable for beginners & gardening with kids

Sow autumn, winter or spring.

Sow indoors for quick plants & early fruit: First place the seeds on wet paper towel in a sealed plastic bag, and place in fridge for 36 hours. Then remove and sow in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
And cover with 5mm of sieved mix or sandy grit.

Now thoroughly moisten by standing the punnet in a shallow water bath and allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then place in a warm and well lit position (not in any direct sunlight)

Temperatures of 15-20C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.

Continue to keep moist by misting the surface from a spray water bottle as required.
Covering the punnet with a clear plastic lid or plastic bag will help to keep the mix consistently moist for longer periods.

Most seedlings should emerge in approx. 30 days.
But do not discard the punnet as it is normal for some to come later.

Seed Count: 10 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve).

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