Species cardoon
violet-purple flowers with green-purple foliage and light-green stems

cardoon

Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon Group) 'Rouge D'Alger'

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon Group) 'Rouge D'Alger') is an amazing plant species that is both beautiful to look at and of great use in cooking. Its deep pinky purple foliage is a beautiful addition to any garden, and the flower heads are stunning when in full bloom. Its uses in the kitchen are also outstanding; the stems have an artichoke like flavour when cooked, acting as a delicious side dish or main course. Cardoon is easy to grow, and is both drought and cold tolerant. Plant once, and you can enjoy its visual beauty and culinary flavour over and over again.

Cycle:

Annual

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 9

Flowers:

Blue Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

red,burgundy

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon Group) 'Rouge D'Alger') should be watered on a regular basis. During the growth season, which is generally from late spring to early autumn, it should be kept consistently moist. Water around the base of the plant and make sure it does not sit in soggy soil. During the summer, check the soil daily and water if the top inch of soil feels dry. Once it is established, the plant may survive in dry conditions, but regular watering will help keep it flourishing. The plant will go dormant in winter, so reduce watering during this season.

sunlight

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon Group) 'Rouge D'Alger') plants prefer full sun exposure. During the spring and summer months, when the days are longer and the sun is highest in the sky, they should receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. In the fall and winter, when days are shorter and the sun is lower in the sky, cardoon plants should get 4-6 hours of sunlight. It's important to ensure that plants receive a consistent amount of sunlight every day during the growing season to ensure optimal growth and development.

pruning

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon Group) 'Rouge D'Alger') should be pruned after flowering in late summer or very early fall. Cut back the flowering stems all the way to the ground. For mature plants, the amount you prune can be up to 2 thirds of the total growth. It is beneficial to keep the perennial plant smaller and more manageable. Be sure to keep some foliage on the plant to ensure it gets energy to put back into the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Cardoon typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Cardoon typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map