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Cardoon Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4” -1/2”
Row Spacing:36”-48”
Plant Spacing:24”-36”
Days to Germination:7-14 days
Germination Temperature:60°-70°F
Related to Artichokes, Cardoons should be started indoors 10 weeks before setting out. Provide 60°- 70° F temperature, strong sunlight, ventilation and even moisture. Do not overwater. Once the seedlings are 3" tall and all danger of frost has passed, “harden them off” by gradually acclimating them to outdoor temperatures and sunlight for 7 to 10 days. Amend the soil with organic compost and well-rotted manure as needed. Cardoons require well-draining soil with strong sunlight, plenty of water and room to grow. They will grow 3' to 5' tall with spiky, feathery leaves. Four weeks before harvesting, blanch the heart by gathering up the outer leaf stalks with garden twine. Cover them with burlap to keep the lower 80% dark. Do not cover the leaf tips. To harvest a Cardoon, cut the plant off at the base and peel away the outer leaves to reveal the tender, blanched, fleshy stalks.
Deer Resistant Seed Varieties
Planting Depth:1/4” -1/2”
Row Spacing:36”-48”
Plant Spacing:24”-36”
Days to Germination:7-14 days
Germination Temperature:60°-70°F
Related to Artichokes, Cardoons should be started indoors 10 weeks before setting out. Provide 60°- 70° F temperature, strong sunlight, ventilation and even moisture. Do not overwater. Once the seedlings are 3" tall and all danger of frost has passed, “harden them off” by gradually acclimating them to outdoor temperatures and sunlight for 7 to 10 days. Amend the soil with organic compost and well-rotted manure as needed. Cardoons require well-draining soil with strong sunlight, plenty of water and room to grow. They will grow 3' to 5' tall with spiky, feathery leaves. Four weeks before harvesting, blanch the heart by gathering up the outer leaf stalks with garden twine. Cover them with burlap to keep the lower 80% dark. Do not cover the leaf tips. To harvest a Cardoon, cut the plant off at the base and peel away the outer leaves to reveal the tender, blanched, fleshy stalks.
Deer Resistant Seed Varieties
