When to Plant Crosne in Fremont County, WY
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.
Fremont County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 6,059 feet, Fremont County receives approximately 14.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Crosne to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Crosne successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Fremont County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Fremont County
How your county's soil matches Crosne's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Crosne prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Fremont County is excellent for Crosne — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Crosne.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Crosne.
How to Plant Crosne
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Crosne
Crosne needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Crosne Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Fremont County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crosne Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Crosne Planting Timeline — Fremont County, WY
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | October 9 | Oct 9 – Oct 2 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
150–200 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
129 days in Fremont County
Growing Tips for Crosne in Fremont County
Direct sow Crosne outdoors after May 15 in Fremont County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 129.0-day growing season in Fremont County is tight for Crosne (150.0-200.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Fremont County receives only 15" of rain annually. Crosne needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Crosne in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crosne in Fremont County, WY?
Fremont County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fremont County, WY?
Fremont County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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