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When to Plant Artichoke in Portland, Arkansas (71663)

Location

Portland, Arkansas

ZIP Code

71663

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

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

🌿 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 Portland?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, January 18, 2026.

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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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 Portland, Arkansas? +

In Portland (Zone 8b), start Artichoke seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Portland, Arkansas? +

The average last spring frost date for Portland, Arkansas (ZIP 71663) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Artichoke take to grow? +

Artichoke typically matures in about 150 days from transplanting. In Portland, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 29, 2026 plus 150 days.

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

Artichoke should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Portland, that means starting around Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Other Plants for Portland

Growing Artichoke in Zone 8b

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Portland, Arkansas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026.

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