When to plant Cardoon in Marion County, AR
Plant Cardoon in Marion County, between April 19 and May 3 — the only viable window. Zone 7b's short season (205 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Cardoon in Marion County, AR
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.
Marion County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 546 feet, Marion County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Marion County, AR
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Harvest | August 23 | Aug 23 – Oct 4 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
120–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Marion 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Marion County, AR?
Marion County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, AR?
Marion County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Cardoon in Marion County, AR?
In Marion County, AR, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marion County, AR for Cardoon?
Marion County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Cardoon grows reliably in zones 7a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cardoon grow in Marion County's climate?
Yes — Cardoon grows well in Marion County's temperate climate. Marion County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 27.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.