Cardoon is similar to the globe artichoke. In fact, they are both part of the thistle family. With cardoon, however, it's the leaves and flower stalks -- not the flower bud -- that are eaten and featured in vegetable recipes. In this article, we'll talk about growing cardoon.

cardoon plant
The flower bud of the cardoon is typically not eaten.

About Cardoon

Cardoon is a tender perennial grown as an annual for its young leaf-stalks, which are blanched and eaten like celery. A member of the artichoke family, cardoon has the same deeply cut leaves and heavy, bristled flower heads. Cardoon, which will grow anywhere in the United States, can grow to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, so it will need plenty of space in your garden.

Common Name: Cardoon
Scientific Name: Cynara cardunculus
 Hardiness: Tender (will die at first frost)

In the next section, we'll show you how to grow cardoon.

Want more information about cardoon? Try: