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When to plant Crosne in Brown County, MN

Spring Crosne in Brown County goes in April 16–May 7, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Crosne in Brown County, MN

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, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.

At an elevation of 1,199 feet, Brown County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Crosne to ensure they mature before fall.

Brown County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
160 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
160 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Brown County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Crosne Planting Timeline — Brown County, MN

Crosne Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest September 17 Sep 17 – Oct 1
Fall Sowing July 29 Jul 29 – Aug 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing
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 5a

📆 Growing Season

160 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Crosne in Brown County, MN?

Brown County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brown County, MN?

Brown County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Crosne in Brown County, MN?

In Brown County, MN, plant Crosne after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Brown County, MN for Crosne?

Brown County sits in USDA Zone 5a. 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 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 5a). 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 Brown County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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