When to Plant Crosne in Madison County, IN
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.
Madison County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 901 feet, Madison County receives approximately 32.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Crosne Planting Timeline — Madison County, IN
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | September 10 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
150–200 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
177 days
Growing Tips for Madison County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Crosne in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crosne in Madison County, IN?
Madison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, IN?
Madison County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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