Cardoon
 

I have never grown cardoons and am looking for any information that may help.
I’m in zone 7b. When do I start my them indoors or are the seeds planted directly in the ground? Should they be started in soilless mix or potting mix? Can they be planted in half barrel planters? Sorry for all the questions but I am clueless. Thanks for any and all responses.

Karen, your timing is amazing as I was just given some Cardoon seeds today (in exchange for some tomato seeds)!

I understand that they should be started inside, 6 weeks before planting out, but I'd love to hear from others who have actually grown them :).

Linda

Cardoon is a magnet for Leaf-footed-bugs in Austin, Texas.

Thanks for the info about the bugs!

My mom lives in Zone 7b and has one in the garden. This past fall was very long and temperate in her area and her cardoon really took off. The first part of the year it didn't do much, I suppose it was too hot and humid (they like a mediterranean climate).

I don't think she grew it from seed so I can't help you there!

Here is what they recommend at West Coast Seeds .......

[URL]https://www.westcoastseeds.com/shop/vegetable-seeds/artichoke-seeds/cardoon-2/[/URL]