When to plant cardoon in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant cardoon shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about March 31 in Shively to May 1 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Transplant out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | April 6 – April 20 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | April 13 – April 27 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | April 5 – April 19 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | April 2 – April 16 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | April 16 – April 30 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | April 18 – May 2 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | April 15 – April 29 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | April 18 – May 2 |
Cardoon in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant cardoon in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to transplant cardoon spans roughly March 31 in Shively to May 1 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the cardoon planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right cardoon planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does cardoon take to grow in Kentucky?
Cardoon takes about 120–150 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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