Blog

When to Plant Sunchoke in Alaska

Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) are a native sunflower relative grown for their knobby, nutty-flavored tubers. They are extremely productive and nearly impossible to eradicate.

Alaska spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Share this guide:

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Sunchoke planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Sunchoke Planting Calendar for Alaska

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 – Jun 7
Harvest September 13 Sep 13 – Sep 27
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 – Jun 3
Harvest September 9 Sep 9 – Oct 14
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Harvest September 4 Sep 4 – Oct 9
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest August 29 Aug 29 – Oct 24
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Harvest August 22 Aug 22 – Oct 17
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 – Oct 2
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 – Sep 23
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 – Sep 16
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Harvest July 12 Jul 12 – Sep 6

Growing Tips for Alaska

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.

Share this guide:

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Sunchoke in Alaska?

Planting dates for Sunchoke in Alaska depend on your USDA zone. Alaska spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Alaska for planting?

Alaska contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: May 2026.