Crosne Planting Guide
Crosne (Chinese artichoke) produces small, segmented white tubers with a crunchy texture and mild artichoke-nutty flavor. They are a rare delicacy in French cuisine.
Stachys affinis · Vegetable · Lamiaceae family · 150–200 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Crosne Planting Dates
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Where Can You Grow Crosne?
Crosne Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Crosne planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 4a | — | Apr 29 | — | Sep 30 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | — | Apr 24 | — | Sep 25 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | — | Apr 11 | — | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
| Zone 5b | — | Apr 4 | — | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Zone 6a | — | Mar 27 | — | Aug 28 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 6b | — | Mar 20 | — | Aug 21 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 7a | — | Mar 11 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 14 |
| Zone 7b | — | Mar 4 | — | Aug 5 – Oct 7 |
| Zone 8a | — | Feb 22 | — | Jul 26 – Sep 27 |
| Zone 8b | — | Feb 11 | — | Jul 15 – Sep 16 |
| Zone 9a | — | Jan 20 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
| Zone 9b | — | Jan 4 | — | Jun 7 – Aug 9 |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Crosne is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Transplant shows "—" because Crosne is best direct sown where it will grow. Transplanting can disturb the roots and slow growth.
How to Plant Crosne
🍂 Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 4a – 9b
📅 Days to Maturity
150–200 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Lamiaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Crosne to Grow
Crosne takes 150–200 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Crosne
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Crosne
Plant tubers 3 inches deep in spring. Mark the location well as plants die back. Harvest in late fall after frost. Leave some tubers in ground for next year. Very labor-intensive to harvest.
Saving Crosne Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Crosne by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Crosne?
Crosne (Stachys affinis) takes 150 to 200 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Crosne grow in?
Crosne can be grown in USDA zones 4a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Crosne need?
Growing Crosne requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.