Cardoon

A close relative of the artichoke, cardoon is a European delicacy. Grown specifically for the tender stems that are blanched to eradicate some of the bitterness, the leaves are bound together and the stems wrapped in hessian or covered in soil up to 40 cm high for 4-6 weeks before harvesting. Some say that if you harvest earlier in the season, it is not necessary to go to the extra trouble as the flavour is still mild and sweet, without the heavy bitterness.
To prepare, strip the leaves off and peel off the spines and thick ribs. Blanch in boiling water with lemon juice and salt for 20-30 min until tender yet still firm. Cut into pieces and use them in your favourite recipe. A popular go-to is lightly fried in garlic butter with a heavy sprinkling of parmesan.
Although a hardy perennial, it is best grown as an annual, as the second season’s stems are said to be far more bitter, and blanching is a definite requirement for enjoyment. That said, we all have our own unique flavour spectrum!
Giant White Cardoon
Cynara cardunculusA large cardoon variety which has large ribs and large leaves. They make for an in..
R30.27
Ivory White Cardoon
Cynara cardunculusIvory White Cardoon is a semi-self blanching variety, which equates to a less bitt..
R30.27
Specials
Batavian Full Heart Endive
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Biogrow Radavit
Radavit is an organic composting agent that contains compost bacteria together with enzymes and fung..
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Biogrow Vegol
A superb, organic contact insecticide that works by coating the pores of insects. It also has a grea..
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Chantenay Red Cored
Daucus carotaA popular variety that was introduced in 1929 by C.C. Morse & Company.These th..
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Crosby Egyptian Beetroot
Beta vulgarisA celebrated heirloom variety first introduced in Boston, USA, by farmer Josiah Crosby...
R25.73 R30.27
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Flamingo Pink Swiss Chard
Beta vulgaris var cicla A beautiful Swiss Chard with light pink stems, it makes a lovely addition..
R29.84 R35.11
Giant Minowase (Pickling Radish)
Raphanus sativusA Japanese Heirloom. This radish variety is crisp with a sweet,mild flavour. A great..
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Golden Helios Radish
Raphanus sativus Stunning polish heirloom variety. Golden yellow skin with a crisp firm white fl..
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Green Curled Ruffec
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Green Igloo
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Hailstone Radish
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Hong Vit
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R26.75 R31.48
Jiffy-7C® Plugs 30mm
The Jiffy-7C® is a 100% buffered coir planting plug. Perfect for use in hydroponics/aquaponics.The J..
R13.80 R14.28
Jiffy-7C® Plugs 40mm
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Jiffy-7C® Plugs 60mm
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Lime Streaks Mizuna
Brassica juncea A wonderful Asian green that can be harvested from day 25 at baby-leaf stage, and..
R28.82 R33.89
Pink Beauty Radish
Raphanus sativus This radish is a real stunner with its beautiful soft pink skin and crisp, mild ..
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Purple Plum Radish
Raphanus sativus Deep purple, these radishes add a stunning flavour and colour contrast to any gr..
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Purple Vienna Kohlrabi
Brassica oleracea gongylodesThese are just sublime! Beautiful, deep purple, and very eye-catching, w..
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