When to plant Cardoon in Mesa County, CO
In Mesa County, Cardoon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 15–May 29 for an 120–150-day harvest, finishing well before the October 9 first frost.
When to Plant Cardoon in Mesa County, CO
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.
Mesa County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 6,091 feet, Mesa County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.
Mesa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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 Mesa County
How your county's soil matches Cardoon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.1) overlaps with Cardoon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Mesa County is excellent for Cardoon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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
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 — Mesa County, CO
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Harvest | September 18 | Sep 18 – Oct 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
120–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Mesa County
Growing Tips for Cardoon in Mesa County
Direct sow Cardoon outdoors after May 01 in Mesa County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 161.0-day growing season in Mesa 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.
Mesa County receives only 23" of rain annually. Cardoon needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Mesa County, CO?
Mesa County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mesa County, CO?
Mesa County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Cardoon in Mesa County, CO?
In Mesa County, CO, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mesa County, CO for Cardoon?
Mesa 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 Mesa County's climate?
Yes — Cardoon grows well in Mesa County's temperate climate. Mesa County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 9.
Your Mesa County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mesa 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.