Cardoon Cynara Cardunculus

This vegetable is from the same family as the popular globe artichoke. It was a favourite in the Victorian times. It has large light green leaves, which are very decorative and ideal for the back of a border. The stems are blanched at the end of the summer for harvesting in December. It is a large plant that needs some support.

Sow from February in a greenhouse and then plant out in early summer.