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When to Plant Artichoke in Calhoun County, TX

Globe artichokes are large thistle-like perennials prized for their edible flower buds. They produce striking silvery foliage and can be grown as ornamentals.

Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.

At an elevation of 215 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 99ยฐF, so Artichoke may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Artichoke root diseases.

Calhoun County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
294 days
Last Spring Frost February 16
294 growing days
First Fall Frost December 7

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Aug 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Sep 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (75 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Oct 6

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 401 gal / 100 sq ft
Artichoke needs ~3,638 GDD — county provides 7,153 GDD Excellent fit

Artichoke Planting Timeline โ€” Calhoun County, TX

Artichoke Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 16
Harvest July 6 Jul 6 โ€“ Sep 14

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6.5 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

294 days

Growing Tips for Calhoun County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture and mulch heavily. Harvest buds before scales begin to open for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Artichoke in Calhoun County, TX?

Calhoun County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Artichoke planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, TX?

Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Calhoun County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Calhoun County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.