Blog

When to plant Cardoon in Dunklin County County,

Dunklin County County's 220-day season only supports one Cardoon planting per year. Sow between April 10 and April 24 for the best chance at full maturity before November 2.

When to Plant Cardoon in Dunklin County, MO

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.

Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 1,344 feet, Dunklin County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.

Dunklin County, MO (Zone 7b) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2
Share this guide:

Dunklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.1

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cardoon Planting Timeline — Dunklin County, MO

Cardoon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Harvest August 14 Aug 14 – Sep 25

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
Share this guide:

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 7b

📆 Growing Season

220 days in Dunklin County

Growing Tips for Dunklin 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 Dunklin County, MO?

Dunklin County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dunklin County, MO?

Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.

When should I plant Cardoon in Dunklin County County, ?

In Dunklin County County, , plant Cardoon after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dunklin County County, for Cardoon?

Dunklin County County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Cardoon grows reliably in zones 7a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cardoon grow in Dunklin County County's climate?

Yes — Cardoon grows well in Dunklin County County's temperate climate. Dunklin County County averages a 220-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 2.

🌱

Your Dunklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dunklin County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dunklin County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.