When to Plant Crosne in Douglas County, WI
Your May game plan for Douglas County, Wisconsin
May is a pivotal month for Douglas County, Wisconsin gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Seed crosne outdoors
Your soil is 48°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
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.
Douglas County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,147 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Crosne to ensure they mature before fall.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.7
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 Douglas County
How your county's soil matches Crosne's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.7) overlaps with Crosne's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Douglas County is excellent for Crosne — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Crosne will thrive.
How to Plant Crosne
Fall planting: Sow 12 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Douglas 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 — Douglas County, WI
Crosne Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | May 9 | May 9 – May 30 |
| Harvest | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Crosne in Douglas County
Direct sow Crosne outdoors after May 16 in Douglas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 135.0-day growing season in Douglas 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 Douglas County, WI?
Douglas County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Crosne planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, WI?
Douglas County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 28.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.