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When to Plant Artichoke in Moore 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.

Moore County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,940 feet, Moore County receives approximately 58.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Artichoke may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Artichoke will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Artichoke root diseases.

Moore County, TX (Zone 7a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Moore County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.4-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 31 – Nov 9
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Sep 3 – Nov 12
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Sep 19 – Nov 28

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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Artichoke needs ~3,188 GDD — county provides 4,016 GDD Good fit

Artichoke Planting Timeline โ€” Moore County, TX

Artichoke Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Harvest September 3 Sep 3 โ€“ Nov 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

189 days

Growing Tips for Moore 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 Moore County, TX?

Moore County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Artichoke planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Moore County, TX?

Moore County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Moore County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Moore County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.