Cardoon

C. cardunculus
This striking HEIRLOOM perennial plant is grown either as an ornamental artichoke or for its edible leaf stalks. Cardoon grows at least 1.2m (4') tall for a stunning Mediterranean look with huge silvery-green, deeply-cut leaves and thistle-like, hard flowers of rich royal purple. The silvery-grey, fleshy stalks of the inner leaves are eaten. Blanch by wrapping newspaper around the plant when it is 120cm (2') tall. Harvest about 3 weeks later. In the fall the new leaf growth can be treated the same way. Thick stems, steamed and seasoned, are an old-world treat. Unopened flower buds make unusual cut flowers.
Matures in 5-7 months. (open pollinated seeds)