When to Plant Sunchoke in Bennington County, VT
Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) are a native sunflower relative grown for their knobby, nutty-flavored tubers. They are extremely productive and nearly impossible to eradicate.
Bennington County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 1,063 feet, Bennington County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Sunchoke during the growing season.
Bennington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Sunchoke
Sunchoke needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Sunchoke Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bennington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Sunchoke Planting Timeline — Bennington County, VT
Sunchoke Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 9 |
| Harvest | September 15 | Sep 15 – Nov 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Bennington County
Growing Tips for Bennington 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 Bennington County, VT?
Bennington County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Sunchoke planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bennington County, VT?
Bennington County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 5.
Your Bennington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bennington County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.