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When to Plant Cardoon in Washington

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.

Washington spans USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b (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.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Cardoon Planting Calendar for Washington

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

Growing Tips for Washington

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 Washington?

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

What zone is Washington for planting?

Washington contains USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. 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.