When to Plant Crosne in Spokane County, WA
Spokane County, Washington gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Spokane County, Washington.
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.
Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 1,645 feet, Spokane County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.
Spokane County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
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 Spokane County
How your county's soil matches Crosne's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.2) is more acidic than Crosne prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Spokane County is excellent for Crosne — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) — Crosne will thrive.
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Spokane 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 — Spokane County, WA
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | September 28 | Sep 28 – Nov 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
150–200 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Spokane County
Growing Tips for Crosne in Spokane County
Direct sow Crosne outdoors after May 11 in Spokane County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 139.0-day growing season in Spokane County is tight for Crosne (150.0-200.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Spokane County receives only 20" of rain annually. Crosne needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Spokane County, WA?
Spokane County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Spokane County, WA?
Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Spokane County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Spokane County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.