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I have to accept that one of my seed-grown artichokes is actually a cardoon. Last year I hoped and hoped, but when it made two plus metres and produced abundant tiny (but pretty) flowers I had to admit that this was no artichoke!
A quick interweb suggests the plants need to be harvested in late summer or early autumn, or another from December to spring! A friend from Provence says that they eat it as a gratin at Christmas, which fits with the winter harvest.
So, anyone grown, and more importantly cooked and eaten cardoons?

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The beast in the summer last year. And now of course, instead of one giant there are three fighting for space!

I’m growing it for the first time. I didn’t realise you could eat it. I’m going to be researching that later.
I’m mainly growing it because it’s a good plant for wildlife and it’s very structural for my cottage garden.
Also didn’t realise they got quite that tall. At least I know to plant him at the back of the bed. Thank you.
Glad only 2 germinated.

Aren't cardoons wrapped in cardboard and blanched to eat the shoots? Could be making this up of course.

(19-04-2022, 11:10 AM)Veggie Wrote: [ -> ]Aren't cardoons wrapped in cardboard and blanched to eat the shoots? Could be making this up of course.

I have heard that - wrapped in cardboard and providing a lovely space for slugs and bugs and beasts to hide away  

I thought it was Tom & Jerry

(19-04-2022, 11:10 AM)Veggie Wrote: [ -> ]Aren't cardoons wrapped in cardboard and blanched to eat the shoots? Could be making this up of course.

I have grown it before and deffo wouldn't recommend eating it before blanching as it is disgusting!

(19-04-2022, 07:21 PM)Admin Wrote: [ -> ]I thought it was Tom & Jerry

Only just got that. Ha ha , very good!
had to keep saying “cardoons” first, though.