The cardoon plant has large , grey looking leaves and purple thistle – like flowers . Some gardeners grow them for the purpose of beauty because are beautiful in floral arrangements.
This explains why it is highly regarded for both it’s eye catching nature and it’s sumptuousness .
This article aims to provide quality assistance to those who intend to start the planting of cardoons in a container and for those that are not sure of what season cardoons should be grown in and how long it takes to grow these edible vegetables ,
this article gives a helping hand. Learn what to know cardoon staking and conditions necessary for cardoon growth .
How do I grow cardoon in a container?
In planting with a container , firstly , fill a container or small box suitably a nineteen litre container or more with enriched soil . Plant the cardoon seeds 1/4 inch deep and water thereon.
The container should be exposed to the right amount of sunlight by placing it near a window for proper growth . The plant should be watered properly but not too regularly to avoid wilting .
What conditions do cardoons grow best?
Cardoon will grow best under less frosty conditions and frost free areas that have cool Summer times . Unlike the globe artichoke it is stronger and can adapt to different climatic conditions .
Cardoons may be unpalatable to consume when they grow under hot conditions as a result of strong sour compounds.
Cardoons as a perennial crop ; annual in some regions ; can grow on varieties of soils, but you will get good , quality harvest when grown on an enriched and well fertile soil.
Cardoons are deep rooted plants as such should be grown on soils that provide enough space for root formation and development . Continuous and un patterned is vital for good cardoon.
How long does it take to grow a cardoon?
Upon cultivation , cardoon plants If grown properly will be fit for harvest between 100 and 120 days . 30 days before harvest the plants should be at least 4 ft tall , thereafter,
you can begin blanching . The stalks should be wrapped in fabric up to 45.7 cm to stop unwanted exposure to sunlight.
Harvesting can begin 5 to 7 weeks after completing blanching. With the aid of a pruner or knife cut the stems from soil level . Then prune the leaves away from the stems .
Do cardoons need staking?
Cardoons have a great structural herbage and flower heads that bees love . The grow a bit tall but do not require staking, they just grow from year to year .
Owing to its size it should be grown in a place well protected from the wind to avoid damaging the plant . They grow in a rosette type of leaves and as such they cannot be staked because there is no stem to join a stake to .
How do I overwinter cardoons?
If you stay in regions with colder climates and intend to overwinter cardoon plants , these are the successful ways to carry them out.
Cut them up to a foot tall , cover them in compost and bushel basket and then drape the entire plant with a tarp to shed against harsh rains or away the covering after winter time and when the snow melts and confirm if the plant survive . If yes , it is bound to blossom that growing .
Under warmer temperature , remove the drapping and mulch gently . If done properly the cardoon will ready to bloom again.
What to do with cardoons after flowering?
The next thing to do after cardoons flower are to harvest and eat them . They should be blanched a month before harvest. In harvesting already blanched cardoons , unwrap them and cut the stem of the plant from ground level.
Trim off the leaf blades from the top of the stems . The leaves can be used as compost for other plants and cardoons as well. Cardoon stems are a feature in stew and soups.
Putting them inside hot water slightly more , is another way of blanching and after that they should be refrigerated well.
Is cardoon an annual or a perennial?
Cardoon is mostly cultivated as a perennial vegetable but grown in colder climates or regions as annual crops.
It is usually grown for it’s eye catching effect (for it’s beauty) . Plants form into silver looking thistle leaves that brings about pleasurable comments.
It’s tall stems of thistle flowers begin to appear in late August and is also about the same time for artichokes . These plants need a very good drainage during the winter period to avoid root rot.
How to care for cardoon plants
There are important things you should know if you want to keep your cardoons growing gracefully and properly.
After you must have put in plenty of manure or compost for the plant during the first year , you need not worry about feeding it anymore as it won’t require food after it’s grown.
If you’re in a hotter region , you might want to consider growing it as a perennial. In doing so , feed continuously with a little amount of rich compost during late March or early April.
Water cardoons properly but not frequently. The soil should be watered and not the leaves , and only when you notice that the ground is beginning to dry up that you should water again, as they don’t grow well on very wet soils.
They do not like the wind as the leaves could easily tear off under strong winds. To protect them against the wind , plant them in a protected environment. They should be pruned carefully when harvesting.
Conclusion
Unique and a beauty to behold, cardoons can be very rare to come by in markets these days . With the knowledge of this many have taken a habit of growing this amazing vegetables.
Though a bit stress inclined , at harvest you will be glad and know it was worth the work. Cultivation of cardoons is something you won’t regret.
Also, learn how to grow cardoon from seeds here.
Reference
- Gardener’s HQ Guide to Growing Cardoon – How to Grow Cardoons in your Garden Guide to Growing Cardoon
- Improvement growth and chemical components of Cardoon plant through foliar application of nutrients and vitamins
