Cardoon Garden Guide

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Cardoon

Cardoon Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 18-24" (457-609 mm)
Row Spacing: 36-48" (914-1219 mm)
Planting Depth: 1/4" (6 mm)
Plants Per Person: 2
Soil Temperature: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Days to Emergence:
Recommended Soil PH: 6.0-7.0
Seed Indoors: 6 weeks before transplanting
Earliest Outdoor Planting: After Last Frost
Tick Can direct seed outdoors
Tick Can seed indoors

Planting Cardoon

Grow cardoon in full sun in well drained soil rich in organic matter; it prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It is best grown from transplant sets. Plant cardoon from seed indoors 6 weeks before transplanting by sowing seeds 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Transplant seedlings to garden 3 to 4 weeks after the last frost date in spring by placing 18 to 24 inches apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart.

Growing Cardoon

Evenly water cardoon but allow plants to dry out between watering. Cardoon is commonly blanched to improve flavor and make it more tender. In late August and early September when the plant is about 3 feet tall, tie the leaves together in a bunch and wrap paper or burlap around the stems to about 18 inches high.

Harvesting and Storing Cardoon

Harvest the plants four to six weeks after blanching. Cut them off at ground level and trim off the course outer leaves. to store a cardoon, wrap the base in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag. It can be refrigerated for 2 weeks.

Cardoon Insect and Disease Information

Aphids can attack cardoon; pinch out infested foliage or spray aphids off plants with a blast of water. Cardoon has no serious disease problems.

Cardoon Yield Information

No yield information for Cardoon.