When to plant Cardoon in Walton County, GA
In Walton County, Cardoon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 5–April 19 for an 120–150-day harvest, finishing well before the November 13 first frost.
When to Plant Cardoon in Walton County, GA
Your July game plan for Walton County, Georgia
July is a pivotal month for Walton County, Georgia gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Looking ahead to August
- First harvests: cardoon
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.
Walton County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 310 feet, Walton County receives approximately 61.3 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.
Walton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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 Walton County
How your county's soil matches Cardoon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) is more acidic than Cardoon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Walton County is excellent for Cardoon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Cardoon.
How to Plant Cardoon
Cardoon Water Budget
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 | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Walton 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 — Walton County, GA
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 20 |
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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
120–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Walton County
Growing Tips for Cardoon in Walton County
Direct sow Cardoon outdoors after March 22 in Walton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Walton County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cardoon. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Walton County, GA?
Walton County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Walton County, GA?
Walton County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.
When should I plant Cardoon in Walton County, GA?
In Walton County, GA, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Walton County, GA for Cardoon?
Walton County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Cardoon grows reliably in zones 7a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cardoon grow in Walton County's climate?
Yes — Cardoon grows well in Walton County's temperate climate. Walton County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 13.
Your Walton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Walton County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.