When to plant Cardoon in Coconino County, AZ
In Coconino County, Cardoon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant June 11–June 25 for an 120–150-day harvest, finishing well before the September 27 first frost.
When to Plant Cardoon in Coconino County, AZ
June in the garden — Coconino County, Arizona
Your garden in Coconino County, Arizona is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Transplant cardoon outside
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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.
Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 7,869 feet, Coconino County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Cardoon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cardoon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cardoon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Coconino County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Cardoon 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 Coconino County
How your county's soil matches Cardoon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.6) is more alkaline than Cardoon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Coconino County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cardoon will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cardoon.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cardoon.
How to Plant Cardoon
Cardoon Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Coconino County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cardoon Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Coconino County, AZ
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | October 15 | Oct 15 – Nov 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
120–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Coconino County
Growing Tips for Cardoon in Coconino County
Direct sow Cardoon outdoors after May 28 in Coconino County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Coconino County dries quickly — mulch Cardoon with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Coconino County, provide afternoon shade for Cardoon and water deeply in the morning.
Your 122.0-day growing season in Coconino County is tight for Cardoon (120.0-150.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Coconino County, AZ?
Coconino County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coconino County, AZ?
Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 27.
When should I plant Cardoon in Coconino County, AZ?
In Coconino County, AZ, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around May 28) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Coconino County, AZ for Cardoon?
Coconino County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cardoon grows reliably in zones 7a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cardoon grow in Coconino County's climate?
Yes — Cardoon grows well in Coconino County's temperate climate. Coconino County averages a 122-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 28 and first frost around September 27.
Your Coconino County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Coconino County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.