When to Plant Artichoke in Bedford, Indiana (47421)

Location

Bedford, Indiana

ZIP Code

47421

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Start Artichoke seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Cynara scolymus

Days to Maturity 150 days

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

Seeds typically germinate in 8-21 days

Ready to Plant Artichoke in Bedford?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow one head to fully bloom and dry on the plant — the thistle-like flower matures into seeds.

Processing

Let flower head dry completely on the plant, pull apart to find seeds at the base of each feathery strand.

Seed Viability

Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Seeds may not grow true to the parent variety — artichokes vary widely from seed. Crown division is more reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Artichoke in Bedford, Indiana? +

In Bedford (Zone 6b), start Artichoke seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Bedford, Indiana? +

The average last spring frost date for Bedford, Indiana (ZIP 47421) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Artichoke take to grow? +

Artichoke typically matures in about 150 days from transplanting. In Bedford, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, April 29, 2026 plus 150 days.

Should I start Artichoke indoors or direct sow in Indiana? +

Artichoke should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Bedford, that means starting around Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

📚 More Artichoke Planting Guides

🗺️

Artichoke in Indiana

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 6b Artichoke Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Artichoke in Zone 6b

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Bedford, Indiana, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Artichoke seedlings outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.