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When to Plant Artichoke in Duval County, TX

Globe artichokes are large thistle-like perennials prized for their edible flower buds. They produce striking silvery foliage and can be grown as ornamentals.

Duval County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 299 days.

At an elevation of 4,259 feet, Duval County receives approximately 55.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Artichoke may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Artichoke root diseases.

Duval County, TX (Zone 9b) Year-round
299 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
299 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

Duval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Artichoke

Artichoke needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Artichoke Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering

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

Artichoke Planting Timeline — Duval County, TX

Artichoke Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Sep 11

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April
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

120–180 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6.5–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

299 days in Duval County

Growing Tips for Duval County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture and mulch heavily. Harvest buds before scales begin to open for best flavor.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Artichoke in Duval County, TX?

Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Artichoke planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Duval County, TX?

Duval County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 9.

🌱

Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Duval 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 Duval County, TX. 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.