When to Plant Cardoon in Adams County, WA
June in Adams County, Washington — your action list
Here's what deserves your attention in Adams County, Washington this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Adams County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 2,402 feet, Adams County receives approximately 17.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cardoon during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cardoon successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Adams County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Cardoon Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Adams County
How your county's soil matches Cardoon's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.4) overlaps with Cardoon's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Adams County is excellent for Cardoon — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.3%) — Cardoon will thrive.
How to Plant Cardoon
Cardoon Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Adams County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cardoon Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cardoon Planting Timeline — Adams County, WA
Cardoon Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | September 24 | Sep 24 – Nov 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
120–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Adams County
Growing Tips for Cardoon in Adams County
Direct sow Cardoon outdoors after May 07 in Adams County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 149.0-day growing season in Adams County is tight for Cardoon (120.0-150.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Cardoon in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Adams County receives only 17" of rain annually. Cardoon needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Adams County, WA?
Adams County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Cardoon planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Adams County, WA?
Adams County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Adams County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Adams County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.