When to Plant Cardoon in Bexar County, TX
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.
Bexar County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and the first fall frost is November 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 3,197 feet, Bexar County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Bexar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bexar County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Bexar County, TX
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Bexar County
Growing Tips for Bexar 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Bexar County, TX?
Bexar County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 11. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bexar County, TX?
Bexar County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 11 and first fall frost is November 17.
Your Bexar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bexar County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.