I grew ornamental cardoon ' Florists Cardy' from seed over 10 years ago, and had these lovely statuesque plants both at home and the allotment. Over the years they have gradually died off, so so decided to save some seed and try again. However, nil germination.
I now tried to find some seeds, couldn't get my original ones any more, but found some ornamental Spineless Porto seeds, and some red Algerian ones so sowed both types. I was generous with the numbers sown because of the poor germination of the others, but...... they all came up! Typical, that will teach me.
I've now had the impetus to clear an area in my back garden for the giants....... my others grew to seven feet tall! The bees love them though.
