When to plant Crosne in Brown County, IL
Spring Crosne in Brown County goes in April 3–April 24, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Crosne in Brown County, IL
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.
Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 868 feet, Brown County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Crosne Planting Timeline — Brown County, IL
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | September 4 | Sep 4 – Oct 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
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 | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
150–200 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Brown County
Growing Tips for Brown 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Crosne in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crosne in Brown County, IL?
Brown County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, IL?
Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Crosne in Brown County, IL?
In Brown County, IL, plant Crosne after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Brown County, IL for Crosne?
Brown County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Crosne grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Crosne grow in Brown County's climate?
Yes — Crosne grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.
Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.