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When to plant Cardoon in Conecuh County, AL

Conecuh County sits in cold Zone 8b. Plant Cardoon March 28–April 11 for the single annual harvest; the November 13 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Cardoon in Conecuh County, AL

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.

Conecuh County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 382 feet, Conecuh County receives approximately 60.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cardoon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cardoon root diseases.

Conecuh County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Conecuh County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

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 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Conecuh County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cardoon Planting Timeline — Conecuh County, AL

Cardoon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 – Sep 12

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

244 days in Conecuh County

Growing Tips for Conecuh 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cardoon in Conecuh County, AL?

Conecuh County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Conecuh County, AL?

Conecuh County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

When should I plant Cardoon in Conecuh County, AL?

In Conecuh County, AL, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Conecuh County, AL for Cardoon?

Conecuh County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Cardoon grows reliably in zones 7a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cardoon grow in Conecuh County's climate?

Yes — Cardoon grows well in Conecuh County's temperate climate. Conecuh County averages a 244-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 13.

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Your Conecuh County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Conecuh County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Conecuh County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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