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When to Plant Cardoon in British Columbia

Cardoon is a large thistle relative of the artichoke, grown for its edible leaf stalks. It has dramatic silvery foliage and makes a striking ornamental as well.

British Columbia spans USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Cardoon planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Cardoon Planting Calendar for British Columbia

Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 – Sep 23
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 – Sep 16
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Sep 6
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 – Aug 26
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Aug 11
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 8 Feb 8 – Feb 22
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 26

Growing Tips for British Columbia

Blanch stalks by wrapping with cardboard or tying leaves together 3-4 weeks before harvest. Provide deep, rich soil and consistent moisture. Protect from hard frost.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cardoon in British Columbia?

Planting dates for Cardoon in British Columbia depend on your USDA zone. British Columbia spans zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is British Columbia for planting?

British Columbia contains USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.