When to Plant Cardoon in Charles County, MD
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.
Charles County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 382 feet, Charles County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.
Charles County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Charles County, MD
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | August 16 | Aug 16 – Sep 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Charles County
Growing Tips for Charles 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
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Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Charles County, MD?
Charles County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Charles County, MD?
Charles County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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