When to Plant Cardoon in Greene County, VA
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.
Greene County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 254 feet, Greene County receives approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season.
Greene County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Greene County, VA
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Oct 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Greene County
Growing Tips for Greene 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 Greene County, VA?
Greene County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Greene County, VA?
Greene County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Greene County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Greene County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.