When to Plant Cardoon in Stephens County, OK
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.
Stephens County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 979 feet, Stephens County receives approximately 26.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.
Stephens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Stephens County
How your county's soil matches Cardoon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.6) overlaps with Cardoon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Stephens County is excellent for Cardoon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Cardoon will thrive.
How to Plant Cardoon
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Stephens County, OK
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Harvest | August 24 | Aug 24 – Oct 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
120–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Stephens County
Growing Tips for Cardoon in Stephens County
Direct sow Cardoon outdoors after April 06 in Stephens County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cardoon in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Level Up Your Garden
Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Stephens County, OK?
Stephens County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stephens County, OK?
Stephens County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — 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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