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When to plant Cardoon in Neosho County, KS

Plant Cardoon in Neosho County during the brief April 21–May 5 window. With 203 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 27.

When to Plant Cardoon in Neosho County, KS

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.

Neosho County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 203 days.

At an elevation of 666 feet, Neosho County receives approximately 23.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.

Neosho County, KS (Zone 7a) Long season
203 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
203 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Neosho County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.8

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 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cardoon Planting Timeline — Neosho County, KS

Cardoon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 – May 5
Harvest August 25 Aug 25 – Oct 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

203 days in Neosho County

Growing Tips for Neosho 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 Neosho County, KS?

Neosho County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Neosho County, KS?

Neosho County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 27.

When should I plant Cardoon in Neosho County, KS?

In Neosho County, KS, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Neosho County, KS for Cardoon?

Neosho 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 Neosho County's climate?

Yes — Cardoon grows well in Neosho County's temperate climate. Neosho County averages a 203-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Neosho County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Neosho 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.

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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 Neosho County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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