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When to Plant Crosne in Johnson County, TX

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.

Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 2,525 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 62.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92Β°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Crosne, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Crosne root diseases.

Johnson County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7-7.8

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 β€” 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Johnson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Crosne Planting Timeline β€” Johnson County, TX

Crosne Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 – Oct 7
Fall Sowing September 3 Sep 3 – Sep 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March Direct Sow
April β€”
May β€”
June β€”
July β€”
August Harvest
September Fall Sowing Harvest
October Harvest
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

150–200 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

239 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, TX?

Johnson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, TX?

Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Johnson County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Johnson County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.