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When to plant Crosne in Steele County, MN

The best window to plant Crosne in Steele County, is April 21–May 12, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 28; first frost October 7. A second sowing from July 15 to July 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Crosne in Steele 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.

Steele County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Steele County receives approximately 37.8 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.

Steele County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Steele County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Crosne Planting Timeline — Steele County, MN

Crosne Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 – May 12
Harvest September 22 Sep 22 – Sep 15
Fall Sowing July 15 Jul 15 – Jul 29

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
September Harvest
October
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Steele County

Growing Tips for Steele 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 Steele County, MN?

Steele County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Steele County, MN?

Steele County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Crosne in Steele County, MN?

In Steele County, MN, plant Crosne after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Steele County, MN for Crosne?

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

Can Crosne grow in Steele County's climate?

Yes — Crosne grows well in Steele County's temperate climate. Steele County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Steele County (Zone 4b). 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 Steele County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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