plant

Cardoon

Cynara cardunculus

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun
Watermedium to high

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence occurs after the last spring frost when soil temperatures consistently reach 10°C.
floweringFlowering is triggered by lengthening photoperiods, typically occurring about 90 days after emergence.
harvestHarvest of leaf stalks typically begins before flowering, about 30 days prior to the main flowering period, and can continue for 45 days.
senescenceSenescence begins with the first autumn frost, leading to dormancy.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalNo
Accumulatesmagnesium, potassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceLow

Propagation

Methodsseed, division
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationnot required
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies
Can host pestsaphids, slugs, snails
Can host diseasespowdery_mildew