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When to plant Cardoon in Bartow County County,

Bartow County County sits in cold Zone 8a. Plant Cardoon April 11–April 25 for the single annual harvest; the November 1 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Cardoon in Bartow County, GA

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.

Bartow County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.

At an elevation of 444 feet, Bartow County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cardoon, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cardoon root diseases.

Bartow County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
218 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
218 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Bartow County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

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 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bartow County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cardoon Planting Timeline — Bartow County, GA

Cardoon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Harvest August 15 Aug 15 – Sep 26

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

218 days in Bartow County

Growing Tips for Bartow 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cardoon in Bartow County, GA?

Bartow County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bartow County, GA?

Bartow County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 1.

When should I plant Cardoon in Bartow County County, ?

In Bartow County County, , plant Cardoon after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bartow County County, for Cardoon?

Bartow County 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 Bartow County County's climate?

Yes — Cardoon grows well in Bartow County County's temperate climate. Bartow County County averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 1.

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Your Bartow County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bartow 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bartow County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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