Cardoon
Cynara cardunculus
Botanical family: Asteraceae
Cynara cardunculus, a Mediterranean Asteraceae: the cultivated cardoon and the artichoke are two forms of it, both derived from the wild cardoon. Its blanched ribs (petioles) are eaten, a traditional Christmas dish in Provence. Sources: Tela Botanica, “Cynara cardunculus L.” (Coste's flora); Sonnante G., Pignone D., Hammer K. (2007), Annals of Botany 100(5):1095-1100; Plants For A Future, “Cynara cardunculus”; Wikipédia, “Cardes à la provençale”.
Full sun
Deep, rich, cool
Regular and abundant (a large, thirsty plant)
Semi-hardy perennial, often grown as an annual
Protect over winter in your zone
Role in permaculture
A cousin of the artichoke, grown not for its heads but for its fleshy ribs, blanched in autumn. An imposing architectural plant (up to 1.5 m) with silvery-grey foliage; left to flower, its large blue heads are spectacularly nectar-bearing, foraged by bees and bumblebees. A forgotten winter vegetable, both nourishing and ornamental.
Good companions
Fix nitrogen from the air (legumes)
Traditional companion planting (benefit not demonstrated)
Seasons & availability
An autumn vegetable: the ribs are blanched then cut from October to December, before the frosts.
Available: October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture du cardon » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-du-cardon)
- Plants For A Future, « Cynara cardunculus » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cynara+cardunculus)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Eaten cooked and blanched; no notable particularity.
Family behaviour: Asteraceae
In general, Asteraceae are a family rich in flowers appreciated by pollinators and beneficials (pot marigold, yarrow, chamomile). It is very scattered, from the mildest lettuce to the allelopathic sunflower.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: deep, rich, cool.
- • Classic companion: Broad bean (fava).