When to Plant Artichoke in Berkeley, California (94708)

Location

Berkeley, California

ZIP Code

94708

USDA Zone

10a

Last Frost

Sunday, January 25, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, January 25, 2026 · Zone 10a

Pro tip: Start Artichoke seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, February 8, 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 Berkeley?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, November 30, 2025.

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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 Berkeley, California? +

In Berkeley (Zone 10a), start Artichoke seeds indoors around Sunday, November 30, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, February 8, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Berkeley, California? +

The average last spring frost date for Berkeley, California (ZIP 94708) is around Sunday, January 25, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 10a.

How long does Artichoke take to grow? +

Artichoke typically matures in about 150 days from transplanting. In Berkeley, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, February 8, 2026 plus 150 days.

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

Artichoke should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Berkeley, that means starting around Sunday, November 30, 2025.

📚 More Artichoke Planting Guides

🗺️

Artichoke in California

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 10a Artichoke Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

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Growing Artichoke in Zone 10a

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Berkeley, California, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, January 25, 2026. Plan to transplant your Artichoke seedlings outdoors around Sunday, February 8, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.