When to plant Crosne in Champaign County, IL
Plant Crosne in Champaign County after April 14; the prime window is March 31–April 21. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Crosne in Champaign 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.
Champaign County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 1,215 feet, Champaign County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.
Champaign County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Crosne Planting Timeline — Champaign County, IL
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | September 1 | Sep 1 – Oct 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
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 |
| 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
188 days in Champaign County
Growing Tips for Champaign 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 Champaign County, IL?
Champaign County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Champaign County, IL?
Champaign County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Crosne in Champaign County, IL?
In Champaign County, IL, plant Crosne after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Champaign County, IL for Crosne?
Champaign 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 Champaign County's climate?
Yes — Crosne grows well in Champaign County's temperate climate. Champaign County averages a 188-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 19.
Your Champaign County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Champaign 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.