When to plant Cardoon in Lassen County, CA
Lassen County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Cardoon June 11–June 25 for the single annual harvest; the September 29 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Cardoon in Lassen County, CA
Your July planting checklist for Lassen County, California
Here's what deserves your attention in Lassen County, California this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Lassen County, California is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 124 days.
At an elevation of 1,854 feet, Lassen County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cardoon to ensure they mature before fall.
Lassen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.5
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 Lassen County
How your county's soil matches Cardoon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.5) is within Cardoon's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lassen County is excellent for Cardoon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Cardoon.
How to Plant Cardoon
Cardoon Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 9.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 9.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 7.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Lassen 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 — Lassen County, CA
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
120–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
124 days in Lassen County
Growing Tips for Cardoon in Lassen County
Direct sow Cardoon outdoors after May 28 in Lassen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 124.0-day growing season in Lassen 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 Lassen County, CA?
Lassen 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 Lassen County, CA?
Lassen County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Cardoon in Lassen County, CA?
In Lassen County, CA, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around May 28) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lassen County, CA for Cardoon?
Lassen 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 Lassen County's climate?
Yes — Cardoon grows well in Lassen County's temperate climate. Lassen County averages a 124-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 28 and first frost around September 29.
Your Lassen County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lassen 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.