Sunchoke Planting Guide
Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) are a native sunflower relative grown for their knobby, nutty-flavored tubers. They are extremely productive and nearly impossible to eradicate.
Helianthus tuberosus · Vegetable · Asteraceae family · 110–150 days to maturity
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Where Can You Grow Sunchoke?
Sunchoke Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Sunchoke planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | — | May 29 | Sep 18 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 3b | — | — | May 24 | Sep 13 – Sep 27 |
| Zone 4a | — | — | May 20 | Sep 9 – Oct 14 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 15 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 9 | Aug 29 – Oct 24 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | May 2 | Aug 22 – Oct 17 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 24 | Aug 14 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 17 | Aug 7 – Oct 2 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 8 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 1 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 22 | Jul 12 – Sep 6 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 11 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 24 | Jun 16 – Aug 11 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 8 | May 31 – Jul 26 |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Sunchoke is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Sunchoke benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Sunchoke
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 9b
📅 Days to Maturity
110–150 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Asteraceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Asteraceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Sunchoke to Grow
Sunchoke takes 110–150 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Sunchoke
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Sunchoke
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.
Saving Sunchoke Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Sunchoke by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Sunchoke?
Sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus) takes 110 to 150 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Sunchoke grow in?
Sunchoke can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 9b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Sunchoke need?
Growing Sunchoke requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.