Cynara cardunculus

The Mediterranean thistle species behind both globe artichoke and cardoon — a bold, silver-leaved perennial grown for edible buds and stalks.
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Cynara cardunculus — globe artichoke & cardoon

Cynara cardunculus is the botanical name for the thistle species that gives us both the globe artichoke and the cardoon — a striking, silver-leaved perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is the species behind our artichoke range within the wider vegetable collection.

History & origin

Native to the Mediterranean, Cynara cardunculus has been cultivated since classical times, prized by the Greeks and Romans, who grew both the leaf-stalk cardoon and the flower-bud artichoke. Through centuries of selection the wild thistle gave rise to two distinct vegetables from one species.

The name Cynara traces to Greek and Latin roots linked to the plant, while cardunculus means "little thistle" — an apt nod to the spiny, architectural character it shares with its wild ancestors. The globe artichoke is the cultivated form grown for its fleshy, immature flower buds.

Botanical characteristics

Cynara cardunculus is a bold, fountain-shaped perennial with large, deeply cut, silvery-grey leaves and thick stems. Grown for food, it is harvested as immature flower buds (the artichoke) or blanched leaf-stalks (the cardoon); left to bloom, it produces spectacular violet-blue thistle flowers loved by bees, set in scaly green heads. Established plants can reach well over a metre tall and form a dramatic, long-lived clump.

Growing Cynara cardunculus from seed

Sow indoors in late winter to early spring for buds in the first or second summer. Grow the seedlings on and plant into rich, free-draining soil in full sun, allowing plenty of room for the large plants. Cut the buds while tight and plump, and mulch the crowns over winter in colder areas. Our vegetable growing guide covers the essentials, and the vegetable sowing calendar shows the timing.

Ready to grow this architectural perennial? Browse the range or read up first.

Related categories: Artichoke · Stem Vegetables · Perennial Vegetables · Culinary Vegetables · All Vegetables

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

What is the difference between artichoke and cardoon?
Both come from Cynara cardunculus. The globe artichoke is grown for its edible flower buds, while the cardoon is grown for its blanched leaf-stalks. What does the name cardunculus mean?
It means "little thistle," a nod to the plant's spiny, architectural character and its place in the daisy family alongside true thistles. What family does Cynara cardunculus belong to?
It belongs to the daisy or aster family (Asteraceae). Left to flower, it produces large violet-blue thistle blooms that bees love. How big does the plant get?
It's a bold, fountain-shaped perennial that can reach well over a metre tall and wide, forming a dramatic, long-lived clump.