When to Plant Crosne in Donley County, TX
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.
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 4,196 feet, Donley County receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Crosne may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Crosne will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Crosne root diseases.
Donley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.2
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 — Donley County, TX
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
207 days
Growing Tips for Donley 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 Donley County, TX?
Donley County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Donley County, TX?
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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