{"title":"Cardoon","description":"\u003ch4\u003eCardoon Seeds\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"region-main\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-category\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"subalternate1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e(Cynara cardunculus)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nCardoon is a tender perennial, related to globe artichokes, typically grown as an annual for its young leaf stalks. Sow seeds in trays and transplant outdoors after 4–6 weeks. Plant seeds at a depth of about three times their diameter. Ideal soil temperature for germination: 13°C to 25°C. Space plants 50–150 cm apart for optimal growth. Cardoons are ready to harvest in 34–35 weeks. For tender stalks, cardoon requires blanching before harvest. Use either of these methods: Bunch and Wrap: Tie the leaves together in a bunch, then wrap paper or sacking around the stems. Hilling: Form a mound of soil around the stem to keep it shaded. After four to six weeks of blanching, the stems are ready. Cut them at ground level, removing the outer leaves for a clean harvest.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cardoon-white-giant-2198","title":"Cardoon White Giant Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCynara cardunculus\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardoon is a striking heirloom vegetable closely related to the Globe Artichoke, grown primarily for its broad, fleshy leaf stalks. A tender perennial often grown as an annual, it develops into an impressive architectural plant with deeply divided, silvery-grey foliage and can reach up to approximately 2 m tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe young stalks have a distinctive flavour reminiscent of artichoke, with a pleasantly bitter edge. Traditionally, the stems are blanched before harvest to make them paler, sweeter and more tender. Once prepared, they can be braised, baked, fried, gratinated or added to soups and stews and are particularly associated with traditional Mediterranean cooking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardoon also produces spectacular violet-purple, artichoke-like flower heads. The immature flower heads and portions of the flowers have culinary uses in some Mediterranean traditions, while the flowers themselves are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant has a long history beyond the vegetable garden. \u003cem\u003eCynara cardunculus\u003c\/em\u003e has traditionally been used as a digestive and liver herb, and its flowers contain enzymes capable of coagulating milk. Dried Cardoon flowers are still used as a traditional vegetable rennet in the production of certain Portuguese and Spanish cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 30 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: Autumn in cooler locations\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Autumn to early spring\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Autumn or early spring\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Spring after frost\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow into trays or individual pots at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. An ideal soil temperature for germination is approximately 13–25°C. Transplant outdoors after approximately 4–6 weeks once seedlings are well established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpace plants approximately 50–150 cm apart depending on the size desired and available growing space. Grow in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor tender, mild stalks, begin blanching approximately 4–6 weeks before harvest. Tie the leaves together and wrap the stalks with paper, cardboard or sacking to exclude light, or mound soil around the stems. Once blanched, cut the stalks at ground level and remove the tougher outer leaves before preparing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity: approximately 34–35 weeks.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDue to quarantine restrictions, WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot available for TAS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46649653919962,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/V_Cardoon2.jpg?v=1771300215"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/collections\/cardoon.oembed","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}