25 Cardoon - Globe Flower Cynara cardunculus Seeds - Cutflower Seeds

The cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, also called the artichoke thistle or Globe flower is a thistle-like frost sensitive perennial, plant which is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is closely related to the Globe artichoke. It is native to the Mediterranean, where it was domesticated in ancient times. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

While the flower buds can be eaten much as the artichoke, more often the stems are eaten after being braised in cooking liquid. The stalks, which look like large celery stalks, can be served steamed or braised. They have an artichoke-like flavor. The main root can also be boiled and served cold.

Cardoon requires a long, cool growing season but it is frost-sensitive. It also typically requires substantial growing space per plant and hence is not much grown save where it is a regional favorite.

Cardoon has attracted recent attention as a possible source of biodiesel. The oil, extracted from the seeds of the cardoon, and called artichoke oil, is similar to safflower and sunflower oil in composition and use.

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