When we moved to Bergatreute in 2014, we also got our own – somewhat larger – cardoon field. Why do we need that, when we hardly harvest cardoons ourselves? You are right to ask.

Well, for our cardoon tinctures, cardoon root capsules, and balm, we use fresh, one-year-old roots of the wild cardoon. The wild cardoon is actually a biennial plant. In the first year of growth, the plant from the cardoon family spends its time developing a strong root and a rosette of leaves above ground. The stem and spiny flower head are still nowhere to be found. And that is when the cardoon is harvested and processed. A pity? Well, this is when its medicinal benefits are greatest. See the book “Naturally Healing Lyme Disease” by Wolf-Dieter Storl in the Literature section.

In the second year of growth, the cardoons develop the stem, the spiny flower head, and – for about one to two weeks – also the pink ring around it. Beautiful to look at and a fantastic photo subject.
The head actually has a real purpose for the plant: between the spines, you find the seeds for reproduction. If the wind breaks the plant or just shakes it, a larger local colony can form this way. Even more beautiful to see.

We use exactly these seeds and provide them to our farmers. This way, as a customer, you can be sure to always get the right plant. By the way, some private customers want cardoons in their garden. Ask us, we can help :-).

This is our cardoon field at the exit of Bergatreute. By now, it is known throughout the village.