Cardoon Seeds - Artichoke Thistle Herb Seed

Cardoon Seeds

Herb Specifications

Season: Perennial

USDA Zones: 6 - 9

Height: 60 inches

Bloom Season: Late summer to mid fall

Bloom Color: Violet blue

Environment: Full sun

Soil Type: Moist, well-drained sandy to clay soils

Deer Resistant: Yes

Latin Name: Cynara Cardunculus

Planting Directions

Temperature: 73F

Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days

Light Required: No

Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch

Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per plant

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

Plant Spacing: 18 - 24 inches

Cardoon (Cynara Cardunculus) - Cardoon is considered to be a tender perennial. In cold climates it is often grown as an annual. It is a member of the artichoke family with thick, deeply cut, thistle-like leaves and a violet colored thistle flower head in late summer. Commonly it is called Artichoke Thistle. The Cardoon Artichoke Thistle plant is grown both for eating and for its importance as a medicinal herb, and it easily grows from Cardoon seeds.

A compound found in the leaves of Artichoke Thistle is called cynarin. Cynarin improves the function of both the liver and the gall bladder. It stimulates digestive juices and helps to lower cholesterol. The stems of Cardoon are blanched and used like celery, and the young, tender leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.

How To Grow Cardoon From Herb Seeds: Start Cardoon seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost. Cardoon herb seeds can be started in small peat pots with seed starting mix. Transplant outdoors into the herb garden after the danger of frost has passed. The Cardoon plant prefers full sun and soil rich in organic matter. Prepare a bed in advance with aged compost. It does not grow well in containers.

Multi-Use Plant

Cardoon is grown for its decorative, medicinal, and culinary uses.

Multi-Use Plant

Edible Tender Perennial

How to Grow

Cardoon seeds are best started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4 - 1/2 inch in small peat post with a seed starting mix. Once all danger of frost has passed, established seedlings can be transplanted directly outdoors into the garden or landscape. Prepare a bed in advance with aged compost. Cardoon does not grow well in containers. Make sure to grow in an area of full sun in soil that is rich in organic matter.

  • Environment: full sun
  • Soil: moist but well-drained
  • Sowing rate: 3 seeds per plant
Edible Tender Perennial

Plant Specifications

Cardoon is a tender perennial flowering herb that grows in USDA zones 6 through 9. It is commonly known as artichoke thistle, so-named for its unique appearance as a combination of artichoke and thistle.

  • Bloom color: violet-blue
  • Bloom season: late summer to mid fall
  • Plant height: 60 inches