When to Plant Crosne in Stone County, AR
May in Stone County, Arkansas — your action list
May is a pivotal month for Stone County, Arkansas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Stone County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,490 feet, Stone County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.
Stone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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 Stone County
How your county's soil matches Crosne's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Crosne's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stone County is excellent for Crosne — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Crosne.
How to Plant Crosne
Fall planting: Sow 10 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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stone 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 — Stone County, AR
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | August 19 | Aug 19 – Oct 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
150–200 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Stone County
Growing Tips for Crosne in Stone County
Direct sow Crosne outdoors after April 01 in Stone County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 209.0-day growing season in Stone County is tight for Crosne (150.0-200.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Stone County, AR?
Stone County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stone County, AR?
Stone County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Stone County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Stone County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.