When to Plant Cardoon in Crockett 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.
Crockett County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 3,010 feet, Crockett County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cardoon will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Crockett County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.3
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Crockett County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Crockett County, TX
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | August 15 | Aug 15 – Sep 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Crockett County
Growing Tips for Crockett 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
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Cardoon in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cardoon in Crockett County, TX?
Crockett County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crockett County, TX?
Crockett County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Crockett County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crockett County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.