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When to Plant Cardoon in Curry County, OR

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.

Curry County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 295 feet, Curry County receives approximately 53.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cardoon root diseases.

Curry County, OR (Zone 9b) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21
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Curry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

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 8.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 8.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 7.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cardoon Planting Timeline — Curry County, OR

Cardoon Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Harvest August 8 Aug 8 – Sep 19

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
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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 9b

📆 Growing Season

245 days in Curry County

Growing Tips for Curry 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 Curry County, OR?

Curry County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Curry County, OR?

Curry County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 21.

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Your Curry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Curry County (Zone 9b). 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 Curry County, OR. 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.