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When to plant Crosne in Perry County, IL

Perry County gardeners should plant Crosne between March 26 and April 16 in spring. With Perry County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 9), Crosne needs 150–200 days to mature — plant by April 3 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Crosne in Perry 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.

Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 806 feet, Perry County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.

Perry County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Perry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Crosne Planting Timeline — Perry County, IL

Crosne Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest August 27 Aug 27 – Oct 29
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May
June
July
August Fall Sowing Harvest
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Perry 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 Perry County, IL?

Perry County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, IL?

Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Crosne in Perry County, IL?

In Perry County, IL, plant Crosne after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County, IL for Crosne?

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Crosne grows reliably in zones 4a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Crosne grow in Perry County's climate?

Yes — Crosne grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.

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Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Perry County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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