When to plant Cardoon in Suffolk County, MA
Plant Cardoon in Suffolk County, between May 8 and May 22 — the only viable window. Zone 7a's short season (176 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Cardoon in Suffolk County, MA
This month in Suffolk County, Massachusetts
August rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
September prep starts now
- 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.
Suffolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 984 feet, Suffolk County receives approximately 45.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.
Suffolk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.3
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 Suffolk County
How your county's soil matches Cardoon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.3) is more acidic than Cardoon prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Suffolk County is excellent for Cardoon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Suffolk 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 — Suffolk County, MA
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | September 11 | Sep 11 – Oct 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Suffolk County
Growing Tips for Cardoon in Suffolk County
Direct sow Cardoon outdoors after April 24 in Suffolk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Suffolk County, MA?
Suffolk County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Suffolk County, MA?
Suffolk County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Cardoon in Suffolk County, MA?
In Suffolk County, MA, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Suffolk County, MA for Cardoon?
Suffolk 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 Suffolk County's climate?
Yes — Cardoon grows well in Suffolk County's temperate climate. Suffolk County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.
Your Suffolk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Suffolk 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.