C. cardunculus. This striking perennial heirloom is grown as an ornamental artichoke but its leaf stalks and stems are edible. It grows at least 1.2m (4’) tall for a stunning Mediterranean look with large silvery-green, deeply-cut leaves and thistle-like flowers of rich, royal purple. Its flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Thick stems, steamed and seasoned, are an old-world treat. The unopened flower buds make unusual cut flowers.
Matures in 150-210 days. (Open-pollinated seeds)
[description action=”end”][quickfacts action=”start quickfacts”]- Stunning Mediterranean look
- Make unusual cut flowers
- Heirloom seeds
- Open pollinated
- Matures in 150-210 days