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When to Plant Artichoke in Morris 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.

Morris County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 185 feet, Morris County receives approximately 69.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, 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.

Morris County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Morris County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (31 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Oct 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (29 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Aug 24 – Nov 2

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Artichoke needs ~3,300 GDD — county provides 5,368 GDD Excellent fit

Artichoke Planting Timeline โ€” Morris County, TX

Artichoke Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Oct 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 8a

Growing Season

244 days

Growing Tips for Morris 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 Morris County, TX?

Morris County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Artichoke planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Morris County, TX?

Morris County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 11.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Morris County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Morris County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.