Description
White Cardoon – 12 Seedlings
White Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis), known in Italian as Cardo Bianco, is a traditional Mediterranean vegetable grown for its long, fleshy leaf stalks and attractive silvery-green foliage. Closely related to the artichoke, cardoon has a distinctive, slightly bitter flavour and tender texture when properly prepared.
Popular in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, White Cardoon is delicious boiled, braised, baked with cheese or added to soups and stews. Its impressive foliage also makes it an attractive addition to vegetable gardens.
🌱 Growing Instructions
☀️ Sunlight: Prefers full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
💧 Watering: Water regularly during active growth, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Established plants tolerate some drought, but consistent watering produces more tender stalks.
🌱 Soil: Plant in deep, fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
🌡️ Temperature: Grows best between 15°C–25°C. Well suited to Malta’s Mediterranean climate, although cooler weather encourages tender stalk development.
📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 80–100 cm between plants, as cardoons develop large, spreading foliage.
🌾 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth, following product instructions.
✂️ Harvesting: Harvest the thick leaf stalks once fully developed, generally 4–6 months after planting. Stalks are often blanched for several weeks before harvesting to reduce bitterness and improve tenderness.
🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)
Best planting season: September to November or February to March, avoiding the hottest summer months during establishment.
Position: Sunny vegetable gardens or raised beds with deep, fertile soil and plenty of growing space.
Companion plants: Lettuce, onions and other low-growing vegetables, provided adequate spacing is maintained.
Common issue: Stalks may become tough or excessively bitter during dry conditions. Maintain regular watering and consider blanching the stalks before harvesting.
📦 Product Information
Variety: Cardo Bianco (White Cardoon)
Botanical Name: Cynara cardunculus var. altilis
Plant Type: Stem Vegetable Seedling
Quantity: 12 Seedlings per Tray
Maturity: Approximately 4–6 months after planting
Harvest Season: Autumn to Spring, depending on planting time
Special Characteristics: Large silvery-green foliage, thick edible stalks and a traditional Mediterranean flavour.
Important Information
Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.
The price is per one tray of 12 seedlings.
