Cardoons take 10-21 days to germinate and will be ready to harvest 120 to 150 days after planting.
Cardoons are related to and taste like an artichoke and look like a giant celery stalk covered in tiny spikes
Growing cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) in grow bags is a practical and space-saving way to cultivate this unique and delicious vegetable. Cardoon is related to artichokes and is grown primarily for its edible leaf stalks, which have a delicate, artichoke-like flavor. Here are the steps to grow cardoon in grow bags:
Select a Suitable Grow Bag: Choose a large, sturdy grow bag with a capacity of at least 10-15 gallons. The size of the bag will allow the cardoon to develop a robust root system and ample space for growth.
Soil and Fertilization: Fill the grow bag with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. You can also add some compost to the mix to provide essential nutrients. Cardoons prefer slightly alkaline soil, so you may need to adjust the pH if your soil is too acidic. Aim for a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Planting: Cardoon can be grown from seeds or transplants. If using seeds, start them indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Transplants can be purchased from a nursery or grown from seeds and then transplanted into the grow bags once they have developed a few true leaves. Plant the seeds or transplants about 2-3 feet apart in the grow bag.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cardoons require regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply to encourage a strong root system.
Sunlight: Cardoons need full sun to thrive, so place the grow bags in a location where they receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Support: Cardoon plants can grow quite tall and may require support to prevent them from flopping over. Use stakes or a trellis to provide support for the plants as they grow.
Maintenance: Cardoons benefit from regular feeding. Fertilize them with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a well-balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season. Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and caterpillars and take appropriate measures to control them.
Harvesting: Cardoon stalks are typically harvested when they are young and tender, usually in the late spring or early summer. Cut the outer stalks at the base of the plant. Remove the tough outer fibers and cook the inner stalks as you would artichokes. The leaves can also be eaten when they are young and tender.
Winter Protection (Optional): In colder climates, you can overwinter cardoon plants by mulching heavily and protecting them from harsh winter conditions. This may allow the plants to produce new growth in the spring.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow cardoon in grow bags and enjoy this unique and flavorful vegetable in your home garden.
Companion Plants:
Artichokes: Cardoons are closely related to artichokes and share similar growth requirements. Planting them together can create a visually appealing garden and provide mutual benefits in terms of care and pest resistance.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers can serve as a natural trellis for cardoon plants, providing shade to their roots while allowing cardoon to grow up the sunflower stalks. This symbiotic relationship can help conserve garden space.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which can help control aphids and other pests that might affect cardoon.
Dill (Anethum graveolens): Dill is known to attract hoverflies, which are natural predators of aphids. By planting dill near cardoon, you can help deter aphids and other common garden pests.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): Nasturtiums are often used as trap crops for aphids. They can draw aphids away from cardoon and other plants you want to protect. Additionally, nasturtium flowers are edible and can add a colorful and peppery garnish to salads.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): Marigolds can help deter nematodes in the soil and may have a repellent effect on some other garden pests. Planting marigolds near cardoon can be beneficial for soil health.
Borage (Borago officinalis): Borage is known for attracting pollinators such as bees. By planting borage near cardoon, you can improve pollination and increase cardoon yield.
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare): Tansy can repel various insect pests, including ants and flies. Planting tansy around your cardoon may help protect it from some unwanted visitors.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile can attract beneficial insects and has a calming effect on the surrounding area. This can help create a harmonious garden environment for cardoon.
Beans or peas: Legumes like beans and peas can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit cardoon by providing it with a source of essential nutrients.
Cardoon does not grow well with Mint or onions.
How should I fertilize my Cardoon?
Cardoons are most productive when grown without any check in their growth, which means they must get all the nutrients they need. They are usually fed annually with a mulch of compost or aged manure. You can also use an occasional foliar feed of compost tea or liquid kelp.
What bugs attack Cardoon and what gets rid of them?
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Leafhoppers are small insects, and both the nymph and adult stages can do serious damage to your plants.
That’s a lot of plant damage to contend with. The way they damage plants is by puncturing the bottoms of leaves and sucking out plant juices.
If that wasn’t bad enough, these pests have toxic saliva that can cause a variety of issues (like yellowing and stunted growth) for your plants, too.
These pests are tiny, at only about ¼" long. They are thin and shaped like wedges. When disturbed, they’ll fly away rapidly, making them tough to manually remove from plants.
They can be yellow, brown, or green in color. While nymphs are wingless, adults have wings - and both stages of leafhoppers are quite skilled at jumping and running sideways.
Leafhoppers are most common in warm climates. They typically appear first thing in the spring as soon as the weather warms up. But, they will also appear sporadically throughout the course of a growing season.
To get rid of them you will need to get rid of affected plants, sprinkle diatomaceous earth, use sticky traps, bring ladybugs and pirate bugs to your area. They are predators of the leafhoppers.
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There is no doubt that slugs and snails are the gardener’s worst enemy in many parts of the world. These voracious slimy creatures are able to devour several times their own body weight of your favorite plants in just one meal.
To get rid of them you can spread coffee grounds, use a tub with beer in it and sink into the ground so the rim is at or just above soil level, diatomaceous earth, slug repellent plants or slug attractive plants and organic slug pellets.
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The best way to get rid of aphids is to wash them off with a strong jet of water. You can also squish and remove the bugs. Bring in ladybugs and use a neem oil spray.
What soil pH is best for Cardoon?
The pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5 but the ideal pH is 6.0-6.5.
Cardoons prefer deep, rich, well-drained, sandy soil. Drainage is particularly important in cold climates because if the roots stay wet for long periods during the winter they may rot.
How do you store Cardoons?
Cardoons will last in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks if stored in a paper or plastic bag.
Interesting facts:
Artichoke Relative: Cardoon is a close relative of the artichoke (Cynara scolymus). Both cardoon and artichoke are members of the Asteraceae family and share a similar taste, with cardoon being known for its edible leaf stalks.
Historical Culinary Use: Cardoon has been cultivated and consumed for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks. It was commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and has a long history in traditional dishes.
Thistle-Like Appearance: The cardoon plant has thistle-like, spiky leaves and purple, globe-like flowers, resembling a large, wild thistle. It is known for its striking appearance and ornamental value in gardens.
Edible Stalks: While the leaves of the cardoon plant are not typically eaten due to their bitterness, the thick, celery-like stalks are the primary edible part. These stalks have a mild, artichoke-like flavor and are often used in various culinary preparations, such as soups, stews, and gratins.
Cultivation for Celery and Artichoke Flavor: Cardoon is cultivated for its unique flavor, which combines the mild taste of celery with the artichoke's floral notes. It is often used to add depth to dishes and is considered a delicacy in some regions.
Nutritional Value: Cardoon is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. It is a low-calorie vegetable and can be a healthy addition to your diet.
Natural Bitterness: The bitterness of cardoon is due to the presence of natural compounds known as cynaropicrin and cynarin. Some people enjoy the bitter taste, while others may blanch or soak the stalks to reduce bitterness before cooking.
Digestive Properties: In traditional herbal medicine, cardoon has been used for its potential digestive benefits. Some believe that it may help with indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues.
Varieties: There are several varieties of cardoon, each with its own unique characteristics. Varieties may differ in terms of stalk thickness, flavor, and adaptation to specific growing conditions.
Culinary Uses: Cardoon can be used in a variety of culinary applications, such as sautéing, braising, or blanching the stalks before using them in recipes. It is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into soups, casseroles, or simply served as a side dish.
Regional Delicacies: Cardoon is particularly popular in Mediterranean cuisine, where it is used in traditional dishes like "Cardoon Gratin" in France and "Carciofi alla Romana" in Italy. In Spain, it's commonly used in stews and other recipes.
Ornamental Value: Due to its striking appearance, cardoon is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Its dramatic foliage and tall, spiky flowers can add visual interest and architectural structure to landscaping.
Medicinal uses for Cardoon:
Cardoon has a history of being used for various medicinal purposes, particularly in traditional and herbal medicine. While cardoon is primarily cultivated for its culinary uses, it contains compounds that may offer potential health benefits. It's important to note that the medicinal uses of cardoon are not as well-researched or widely recognized as some other herbs and plants, and you should consult a healthcare professional before using it for any specific health-related purposes. Here are some potential medicinal uses for cardoon:
Digestive Aid: Cardoon has a long history of use as a digestive aid. Some people believe that consuming cardoon, particularly the bitter parts, may help stimulate digestion, reduce bloating, and alleviate mild digestive discomfort.
Liver Health: Cardoon contains cynarin, a compound found in artichokes, which is believed to support liver health. It may aid in liver detoxification and promote overall liver function.
Cholesterol Regulation: Some studies suggest that cynarin, found in cardoon, may help regulate cholesterol levels. It may promote the excretion of cholesterol and bile acids, potentially contributing to cardiovascular health.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Cardoon contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds that may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect. This could be beneficial for conditions where inflammation plays a role, such as arthritis.
Antioxidant Activity: The presence of antioxidants in cardoon, such as polyphenols, may help combat oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. Antioxidants are associated with a range of health benefits.
Diuretic Effect: Cardoon has diuretic properties, meaning it may increase urine production. This effect may be helpful in cases of mild fluid retention or edema.
Gallbladder Function: Traditional herbalists have used cardoon to support gallbladder function. It may help promote the flow of bile and alleviate gallbladder discomfort.
Weight Management: Some believe that the bitterness of cardoon may help control appetite and reduce food cravings. However, scientific evidence for this specific use is limited.
Respiratory Health: In traditional herbal medicine, cardoon has been used to address respiratory issues. It is believed to have mild expectorant properties, which may help clear mucus from the airways.
It's important to reiterate that while cardoon shows promise in these potential medicinal applications, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness and safety for specific health conditions. If you are considering using cardoon for its potential medicinal properties, consult a healthcare professional or herbalist to discuss the best approach and to ensure that it does not interact with any existing medications or medical conditions. Additionally, it's important to use cardoon in moderation, as excessive consumption of the bitter compounds in cardoon may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.