When to Plant Crosne in Whatcom County, WA
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.
Whatcom County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 386 feet, Whatcom County receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.
Whatcom County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
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 | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 7.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 8.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Whatcom County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crosne Planting Timeline — Whatcom County, WA
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | August 24 | Aug 24 – Oct 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Whatcom County
Growing Tips for Whatcom 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 →
Crosne in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crosne in Whatcom County, WA?
Whatcom County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Whatcom County, WA?
Whatcom County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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