When to plant Cardoon in Pike County, AR
Plant Cardoon in Pike County during the brief April 6–April 20 window. With 232 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before November 10.
When to Plant Cardoon in Pike 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.
Pike County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 891 feet, Pike County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.
Pike County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Pike County, AR
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Sep 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Pike County
Growing Tips for Pike 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 Pike County, AR?
Pike County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pike County, AR?
Pike County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 10.
When should I plant Cardoon in Pike County, AR?
In Pike County, AR, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pike County, AR for Cardoon?
Pike County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Cardoon grows reliably in zones 7a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cardoon grow in Pike County's climate?
Yes — Cardoon grows well in Pike County's temperate climate. Pike County averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 10.
Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pike County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.