Blog

When to plant Cardoon in Lawrence County, MO

Lawrence County's 199-day season only supports one Cardoon planting per year. Sow between April 23 and May 7 for the best chance at full maturity before October 25.

When to Plant Cardoon in Lawrence 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.

Lawrence County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 1,094 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 38.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.

Lawrence County, MO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Lawrence County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cardoon Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, MO

Cardoon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Harvest August 27 Aug 27 – Oct 8

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

199 days in Lawrence County

Growing Tips for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, MO?

Lawrence County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lawrence County, MO?

Lawrence County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Cardoon in Lawrence County, MO?

In Lawrence County, MO, plant Cardoon after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lawrence County, MO for Cardoon?

Lawrence 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 Lawrence County's climate?

Yes — Cardoon grows well in Lawrence County's temperate climate. Lawrence County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lawrence 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.

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 Lawrence 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.