Seed Depth: 1/4–1/2 inch

Seed Spacing: 18–24 inches

Row Spacing: 36–48 inches

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 85–120 days

Growth Habit: Upright, bushy perennial

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Type: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Adding compost or organic matter improves growth.

When to Plant: Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1/4–1/2 inch deep, spacing them 18–24 inches apart in rows 36–48 inches apart.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds in trays or pots and transplant seedlings when they are 4–6 inches tall and outdoor temperatures are consistently above 50°F.

Succession Planting: Not typically needed; cardoon is a long-season perennial.

Watering: Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost at planting and mid-season to encourage robust growth.

Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. Cut back plants in late fall for overwintering.

Pest and Disease Control: Generally pest-resistant but monitor for aphids or slugs. Use organic treatments as necessary.

When to Harvest: Harvest leaf stalks when they are young and tender, typically 85–120 days after planting. For seeds, allow flowers to mature and dry on the plant.

How to Harvest: Use scissors or pruners to cut stalks at the base. For seeds, collect mature flower heads and separate seeds once dry.

Seed Collection: Collect seeds from dried flower heads. Remove fluff and store clean seeds.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.