When to Plant Cardoon in Kimble 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.
Kimble County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.
At an elevation of 4,850 feet, Kimble County receives approximately 57.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cardoon may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cardoon root diseases.
Kimble County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Kimble 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
227 days in Kimble County
Growing Tips for Kimble 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 Kimble County, TX?
Kimble 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 Kimble County, TX?
Kimble County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 10.
Your Kimble County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kimble 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.