When to plant Cardoon in McCracken County, KY
In McCracken County, Cardoon is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 13–April 27 for an 120–150-day harvest, finishing well before the October 30 first frost.
When to Plant Cardoon in McCracken County, KY
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.
McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 1,445 feet, McCracken County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.
McCracken County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cardoon Planting Timeline — McCracken County, KY
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | August 17 | Aug 17 – Sep 28 |
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
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
214 days in McCracken County
Growing Tips for McCracken 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
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Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in McCracken County, KY?
McCracken County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McCracken County, KY?
McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 30.
When should I plant Cardoon in McCracken County, KY?
In McCracken County, KY, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McCracken County, KY for Cardoon?
McCracken 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 McCracken County's climate?
Yes — Cardoon grows well in McCracken County's temperate climate. McCracken County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 30.
Your McCracken County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McCracken 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.