Cardoon (Artichoke Thistle)
Best unique edible plant for adventurous home gardeners.
This striking perennial offers ornamental appeal with its silver-green, artichoke-like foliage and purple thistle-like flowers that attract pollinators. It's also edible, with buds and stems traditionally used in Mediterranean cuisine. While deer resistant and hardy, its vigorous growth requires ample space and careful management for optimal display.
$7.90
at
Dutchgrown
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking unique, visually impactful plants for their outdoor spaces.
- Home cooks and gardeners eager to cultivate unusual, flavorful vegetables.
- Eco-conscious gardeners supporting local wildlife and seeking low-maintenance plants.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited space or those preferring compact, contained plantings.
- Busy home cooks or those preferring quick, minimal-prep garden-to-table vegetables.
- Gardeners with sensitive skin or those preferring plants without sharp, prickly features.
Key Specs
Deer Resistant
Yes
Density
18-24 inches
Flowering Height
50-60 inches tall
Flowering Time
Mid Summer to Fall
Fragrant
No
Naturalizing
Yes
Planting Depth
1 inch
Sunlight
Full Sun
USDA Zones
Hardy 6-9
Height
Ranges from 3 to 5 feet
Still have a question?
Ask Metto anything about the Cardoon (Artichoke Thistle) before you decide.
