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When to Plant Artichoke in Stephens 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.

Stephens County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 3,055 feet, Stephens County receives approximately 63.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Artichoke during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Artichoke root diseases.

Stephens County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost April 4
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Stephens County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Oct 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Aug 22 – Oct 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Sep 3 – Nov 12

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 ~2,850 GDD — county provides 4,180 GDD Excellent fit

Artichoke Planting Timeline โ€” Stephens County, TX

Artichoke Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Harvest August 22 Aug 22 โ€“ Oct 31

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 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 7b

Growing Season

220 days

Growing Tips for Stephens 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 Stephens County, TX?

Stephens County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Artichoke planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stephens County, TX?

Stephens County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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