Rouge d’Alger cardoon plants – What in the world are they? What do you do with them? How do you grow them? If you’re totally in the dark about Rouge d’Alger cardoons, you’re not alone. Read on for more information.
Cardoon Vegetable History and Info
Cardoons are a close cousin to the globe artichoke, but they are larger, hardier, and less prickly. Rouge d’Alger cardoons are one of the most attractive cardoon varieties with big, purple blooms and rosy red stems.
Cardoons are also tasty vegetables, which one writer described as looking like a “rugged bunch of celery.” The vegetables have a delicate flavor and are especially popular in Europe, where they are often fried and smothered with cream, cheese or eggs. They can also be eaten raw, usually dipped in some type of rich, gourmet-style sauce.
Cardoons originated in Southern Europe, but the vegetables were transported to North America by Quakers in the 1790s. We know very little about the history of Rouge d’Alger cardoons or who first discovered this unique plant. However, we do know Rouge d’Alger cardoons originated in Algeria, thus the name.
Growing Cardoons
Rambunctious plants with long, sturdy taproots that can extend 8 feet into the ground, cardoons are often considered nuisance plants in North America. This is a good fact to keep in mind before you decide to try your hand at growing cardoons.
Cardoons thrive in full sun and well-drained, rich soil. You can plant seeds, or you may be able to purchase seedlings from a nursery that specializes in heirloom plants. However, if you know somebody who has a mature plant, cardoons are easy to propagate by division.
If you’re growing cardoons to eat, you’ll need to blanch the vegetable to preserve the delicate flavor and texture. Blanch the cardoon by piling soil around the stem as it grows. When the plant is about knee-high, wrap the cardoon with straw, then gather the lower leaves around the vegetable and secure the leaves at the top of the straw-covered cardoon with string.
For succulent cardoons, be sure to provide plenty of water throughout the growing season.
