Cardoon

Additional Details

When to Sow Cardoon Seeds

Indoors - February to March
Outdoors - March to April

Where to Sow

Indoors using seed sowing compost in pots or trays in a greenhouse at 18°C. Outside in free draining soil in mid spring when the soil has warmed up. They will need an open spot with plenty of sun and well drained soil. Sow 2 to 3 seeds 30cm (12") apart, then thin out so final spacing is 1 metre (39") apart.

When to Transplant

When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick off into small pots. Harden off and grow on. Plant out 1m (39") apart the following spring. Add plenty of well-rotted manure to the planting site and add horticultural grit to clay soil to improve drainage. Rake in some general fertilizer before planting. Blanch stems in September by tying up the leaves. May also be earthed up.

Maturity

June to September