Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon) seeds

This is a truly spectacular architectural plant. The Cardoon makes a dramatic statement with its arching, ghost-like, jagged, soft grey foliage up to a metre long! Once established, it is topped with stalks of striking, blue-violet, thistle-like flowers which are excellent for cutting and drying. For a stunning accent plant in the border, this one is hard to beat!

Hardy Perennial
Flowers: Summer
Position: Sun
Height: 120-180cm, Spread: 100cm

Packet of 25 seeds

RHS Plants for Pollinators. 

The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of year, except early to mid-summer.  Sow 3mm deep in a moist, free-draining seed compost and propagate at 18 to 20C in a propagator, greenhouse or on a windowsill indoors sealed in a polythene bag. Germination should take place in 14-30 days. As the seedlings begin to emerge, very gradually increase ventilation by opening the propagator vents or the bag.

Growing Instructions: When the seedlings are large enough to handle, pot up individually into small pots (7-9cm) and grow on in well-ventilated conditions at about 13 to 15C. Overwinter if necessary in a frost free place at about 5C. When established, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out in late spring or early autumn, 1.2-2m apart, in deep soil in a sunny position.

Note: Can also be sown in situ outdoors in mid-spring in a well-prepared seed bed, but they will need good protection from wildlife and slugs & snails.