When to Plant Crosne in Lehigh County, PA
Your May gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 376 feet, Lehigh County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.
Lehigh County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lehigh County
How your county's soil matches Crosne's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.2) is more acidic than Crosne prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lehigh County is excellent for Crosne — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Crosne.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Crosne.
How to Plant Crosne
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lehigh County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crosne Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Crosne Planting Timeline — Lehigh County, PA
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | September 7 | Sep 7 – Nov 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
150–200 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Lehigh County
Growing Tips for Crosne in Lehigh County
Direct sow Crosne outdoors after April 20 in Lehigh County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 187.0-day growing season in Lehigh County is tight for Crosne (150.0-200.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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 Lehigh County, PA?
Lehigh County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lehigh County, PA?
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Lehigh County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lehigh 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.