Cardoon, Argenté de Genéve Inerme

Closely related to the artichoke, this stem vegetable is sown in spring, then blanched with cardboard in fall. It is then used raw in salads or steamed. Large silver spiny leaves produce purple thistle-like flowers that reach 6' tall. Pollinators love this perennial. Heirloom originally from the Grosjean family in Chêne-Bougeries, Switzerland. We received it from Pro Specie Rara, the Swiss seed saving organization.
 
5 g packet ≈ 100 seeds.  $3.00