When to Plant Crosne in Ohio County, WV
This month in Ohio County, West Virginia
May is a pivotal month for Ohio County, West Virginia gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Ohio County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,350 feet, Ohio County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Crosne during the growing season.
Ohio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.9
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 Ohio County
How your county's soil matches Crosne's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.9) overlaps with Crosne's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ohio County is excellent for Crosne — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ohio 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 — Ohio County, WV
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | September 10 | Sep 10 – Oct 22 |
| 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 | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
150–200 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Ohio County
Growing Tips for Crosne in Ohio County
Direct sow Crosne outdoors after April 23 in Ohio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 189.0-day growing season in Ohio 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 Ohio County, WV?
Ohio County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ohio County, WV?
Ohio County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Ohio County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ohio 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.