Cardoon in Zone 8a & 8b
Cynara cardunculus
When to plant cardoon in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Cardoon needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Feb 4–Feb 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 8–Apr 15 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 6–Aug 13 (~120 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 3-4 ft.
Cardoon is a close relative of the globe artichoke already covered on this site, but instead of harvesting a flower bud, it's grown for its thick, blanched leaf stalks, a classic Mediterranean vegetable most American gardeners have never grown.
How cardoon fits zone 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Cardoon needs about 120 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Cardoon.
Where to buy cardoon seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing cardoon" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 8b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Cardoon in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest