Cardoon Artichoke

Cynara cardunculus: This striking perennial can be grown as an ornamental artichoke or for its silvery-green, deeply serrated, edible leaf stalks and stems. It grows at least 1.2m (4') tall for a stunning Mediterranean look. Its thistle-like flowers of rich, royal purple are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Tie the thick stalks to blanch for 3 months before harvest and then steam and season for an old-world treat. Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Average seeds per gram: 26.