When to plant Sunchoke in Weld County, CO
Weld County's 158-day season only supports one Sunchoke planting per year. Sow between May 16 and May 30 for the best chance at full maturity before October 7.
When to Plant Sunchoke in Weld County, CO
Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) are a native sunflower relative grown for their knobby, nutty-flavored tubers. They are extremely productive and nearly impossible to eradicate.
Weld County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 6,992 feet, Weld County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sunchoke during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Sunchoke successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Weld County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Sunchoke Planting Timeline — Weld County, CO
Sunchoke Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Harvest | September 5 | Sep 5 – Oct 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
110–150 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Weld County
Growing Tips for Weld County
Plant tubers 4 inches deep in early spring. Contain plants with barriers as they spread aggressively. Harvest after frost or leave in ground and dig as needed through winter.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Sunchoke in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunchoke in Weld County, CO?
Weld County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Sunchoke planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Weld County, CO?
Weld County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Sunchoke in Weld County, CO?
In Weld County, CO, plant Sunchoke after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Weld County, CO for Sunchoke?
Weld County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Sunchoke grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Sunchoke grow in Weld County's climate?
Yes — Sunchoke grows well in Weld County's temperate climate. Weld County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.
Your Weld County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Weld County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.