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When to plant Cardoon in Fulton County County,

Fulton County County's short 228-day growing season means one Cardoon planting between April 6 and April 20. No fall crop in Zone 8a.

When to Plant Cardoon in Fulton 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.

Fulton County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 457 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 53.9 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.

Fulton County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6
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Fulton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

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 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cardoon Planting Timeline — Fulton County, GA

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

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December
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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

228 days in Fulton County

Growing Tips for Fulton 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 Fulton County, GA?

Fulton 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 Fulton County, GA?

Fulton County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.

When should I plant Cardoon in Fulton County County, ?

In Fulton County County, , plant Cardoon after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fulton County County, for Cardoon?

Fulton 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 Fulton County County's climate?

Yes — Cardoon grows well in Fulton County County's temperate climate. Fulton County County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.

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Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fulton 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 Fulton County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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