Cardoon: This unusual vegetable is a Mediterranean delicacy. It's closely related to the artichoke, but is grown for its thick, edible leaf stalks, which have a distinctive flavor and can be eaten in soups or sauteed. Grown for its thick, fleshy stalks, it has a mild flavor reminiscent of artichoke hearts that lends itself to boundless culinary opportunities. Typically growing to about 42 inches tall, it will perennialize in zones 7 and warmer, producing for 6–7 years and reaching a final height of 6–8 feet. Botanical Name: Cynara cardunculus Life Cycle: Annual Light Requirement: Full Sun/Partial Shade Planting Season: Spring Features: Heirloom, Culinary, Medicinal, Indoor, Outdoor Plant Height: 2-5 feet Days to Maturity: 100 Days Plant Spacing: 3-4 inches Planting Depth: 1/4 inch Cold Stratification: No Hardiness Zones: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11