Grow Cardoon & Globe Artichoke – impressive & bee-friendly

Do you want to add a touch of elegance to your garden while supporting our precious pollinators? Cardoons and Globe Artichokes are magnificent plants which not only offer impressive structure and massive flowers but also serve as perfect statement plants in any garden, whether it’s a traditional cottage garden or a sleek urban setting. And the best part? Bees, bumblebees, and other insects absolutely adore them! In this blog, we will look at how to grow Cardoons and Globe Artichokes.

Globe Artichokes

Globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus), are renowned for their edible flower buds that emerge during the summer months. These plants are highly ornamental, boasting big, jagged, silvery leaves and tall flower stems crowned with large globe-shaped buds adorned with pointed scales (sepals). Some varieties even feature attractive dark purple or red-tinged buds, adding a vibrant touch to the garden. If left unharvested, the buds open up into large purple thistle-like flowers that are beloved by our buzzing friends, bees, and other pollinating insects.

Globe artichokes are not only visually striking but also serve as decorative additions to vegetable plots and flower borders. They form statuesque clumps, reaching up to 1.5m (5ft) tall and 90cm (3ft) wide. As perennials, they live for several years, with the top growth dying back in autumn and re-sprouting in spring. You can start growing them from seeds or opt for young plants in spring, and divide clumps every four or five years to promote new, vigorous growth.

To thrive, globe artichokes prefer warmth, full sun, and well-draining soil. Once established, they require little maintenance. A mature plant can produce up to 12 edible buds throughout the summer. If harvesting buds for the kitchen, do so while they are still tightly closed—small buds are delicious roasted or sautéed whole, while larger ones can be steamed, revealing their fleshy scale bases and delectable heart, perfect with a dressing. But be sure to leave some flowers for the bees!

Cardoons

Cardoons is another stunning addition to your garden. A cousin of the Thistle and the Globe Artichoke, these plants feature silvery-green foliage that spreads out like a regal crown. And just like globe artichokes, cardoons produce magnificent purple blooms that open up like celestial fireworks. These show-stopping flowers are a true magnet for honeybees, bumblebees, and a myriad of other delightful insects, making your garden buzz with life.

Cardoons, too, are perennials, living for several years, and they can be grown from seed or purchased as young plants. They thrive in warmth, full sun, and free-draining soil. Once established, they require minimal maintenance. Cardoons grow taller than Globe artichokes, and can reach heights of 2.5 meters in a good location. While the tender, succulent stems of cardoons can be harvested while young for cooking, it is as ornamental plants that they are best grown.

How to sow globe artichokes and cardoons

To start your cardoon and artichoke plants, sow the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Sow individually into small pots or modules, approximately 1cm (½in) deep. Outdoors, wait until the soil has warmed up in spring and sow two or three seeds every 25-30cm (10-12in) apart. Thin out the seedlings, leaving only the strongest ones at each point. Starting indoors provides better control over seedling growth and protection from pests like slugs and snails. Pot up indoor plants to give ample room for the plant to grow before hardening off.

Once the seedlings reach about 30cm (1ft) in height, they are ready for planting outdoors. However, before transplanting, it’s crucial to harden off the seedlings. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot during the day and bringing them indoors at night. Alternatively, you can use a cold frame for this purpose. Harden off the seedlings for a couple of weeks before transplanting them into their final position.

Planting outside

Choose a sunny, well-draining location for your cardoons and artichokes. These plants thrive in warm, full sun conditions and prefer reasonably fertile soil. Prepare the ground by removing any weeds and incorporating several buckets of garden compost to improve moisture retention. Make sure to give both cardoons and artichokes ample space, as they can reach a width of at least 90cm (3ft) over time. Also, remember that the plants will grow quite tall so place at the back of a border, and make sure they won’t shade other sun loving plants.

Plant the seedlings or young plants at a spacing of approximately 90cm (3ft) apart, allowing enough room for them to grow and spread. Cardoons and artichokes can also be grown in raised beds if your soil tends to be waterlogged. Aim for a sunny aspect and choose a soil type that is free-draining to ensure optimal growth. Make sure to water in well and check for slug damage while still young.

Caring for the Plants

Once your cardoons and artichokes are in the ground, proper care is essential for their well-being and productivity. Water the plants well, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist. However, once the plants are well-established, they become fairly drought-tolerant. Regular watering is particularly important when the flower buds are forming to promote a bountiful crop.

Feed your cardoons and artichokes in spring as they grow with a high-potassium general fertilizer. This will help improve flower bud production and overall plant vigor. You can make your own potassium fertilizer at home using ingredients such as banana peels, kelp or wood ash. Mulching is highly beneficial for these plants, providing insulation and suppressing weeds. Apply a layer of mulch, such as well-rotted garden compost, or grass cuttings around the base of the plants, ensuring it is at least 5cm (2in) thick.

Harvest, Flower or Both?

When it comes to cardoons and artichokes, you have two choices: harvesting or allowing the plant to bloom for the bees and other pollinators to enjoy. Or you could do a little bit of both. I usually leave the cardoons to flower entirely, and harvest a few of the first artichokes. After a few years of growing the plants, if you split them, you will have enough both for the bees and yourself!

For a culinary delight, harvest the buds of artichokes when they reach the size of a grapefruit and are still tightly closed. Cut the buds just above a leaf joint, including a length of stalk. Harvest the main larger flower bud first, and secondary smaller buds will continue to develop throughout the summer, providing a steady supply. Cardoons are harvested young, like celery, and the tender stalks are boiled, braised or baked, often with wine and garlic.

If you prefer to let the flowers bloom, prepare to be mesmerized by the magnificent display of purple thistle-like blossoms. The bees and other pollinators will flock to these blooms, finding a delightful feast in your garden. By letting the flowers mature and open, you’re providing vital resources for the pollinators and contributing to their well-being.

Over-Wintering

As the colder months approach, it’s essential to protect your cardoons and artichokes. Spread a thick layer of mulch over the ground around the plants in autumn to provide insulation and prevent frost damage. Additionally, cover the crown of the plant with the spent foliage for added protection. In colder regions or to err on the safe side, consider adding a thick layer of straw, garden compost, or well-rotted manure for extra insulation against harsh winter conditions.

Propagating and dividing

To ensure a continuous supply of cardoons and artichokes, propagating the plants through cuttings and splitting is a fantastic option. Every four or five years, divide the clumps to produce vigorous new replacements. Look around the outside of the clump in spring for young rosettes of leaves, approximately 20-30cm (8-12in) tall, sprouting from the roots. Detach these offsets or suckers along with a section of the root by slicing down vertically with a sharp knife or spade. Reduce the height of the leaves to 15cm (6in) and plant them immediately.

Perfect for Pollinators

Cardoons and artichokes play a crucial role in supporting our pollinators. The massive flowers of these plants act as irresistible magnets, attracting bees, bumblebees, and other beneficial insects to your garden. By growing cardoons and globe artichokes, you create a thriving ecosystem that provides nectar and pollen sources for these essential pollinators. Their presence ensures the pollination of other plants in your garden, contributing to overall biodiversity and ecological balance.

Creating a bee-friendly garden is not just about providing nectar-rich plants for our pollinators; it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem where they can thrive. By growing cardoons and globe artichokes, you’re not only enhancing the visual appeal of your garden but also actively contributing to the well-being of our precious bees and other pollinators.

So, whether you’re a fan of the traditional cottage garden style or prefer a sleek urban oasis, consider incorporating these marvelous plants into your landscape and grow globe artichokes and cardoons. Witness the awe-inspiring structure, massive flowers, and the dance of bees in your garden. Embrace the wonders of nature, and let these statement plants and their buzzing companions fill your days with joy and enchantment.

Hanna Bäckmo

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