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When to plant Crosne in McDonough County, IL

In McDonough County, plant Crosne in spring between April 3 and April 24, once soil temps hold above 50°F. McDonough County's last frost averages April 17, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 8 and August 22 — roughly 150–200 days before the first frost on October 17.

When to Plant Crosne in McDonough 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.

McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.

At an elevation of 738 feet, McDonough County receives approximately 37.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Crosne to ensure they mature before fall.

McDonough County, IL (Zone 6a) Moderate season
183 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
183 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

McDonough County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Crosne Planting Timeline — McDonough 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 8 Aug 8 – Aug 22

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

183 days in McDonough County

Growing Tips for McDonough 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Crosne in McDonough County, IL?

McDonough 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 McDonough County, IL?

McDonough County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Crosne in McDonough County, IL?

In McDonough County, IL, plant Crosne after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is McDonough County, IL for Crosne?

McDonough 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 McDonough County's climate?

Yes — Crosne grows well in McDonough County's temperate climate. McDonough County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for McDonough County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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