When to Plant Cardoon in Marin County, CA
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.
Marin County, California is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 302 feet, Marin County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cardoon to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cardoon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Marin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Cardoon
Cardoon needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cardoon Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 7.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Marin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Marin County, CA
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
120–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Marin County
Growing Tips for Marin County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Marin County, CA?
Marin County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marin County, CA?
Marin County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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