When to Plant Sunchoke in Kodiak Island Borough, AK
Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) are a native sunflower relative grown for their knobby, nutty-flavored tubers. They are extremely productive and nearly impossible to eradicate.
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Kodiak Island Borough receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sunchoke to ensure they mature before fall.
Kodiak Island Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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.
Plant Water Budget
Sunchoke Planting Timeline — Kodiak Island Borough, AK
Sunchoke Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | September 16 | Sep 16 – Nov 11 |
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
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
139 days
Growing Tips for Kodiak Island Borough
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
Level Up Your Garden
Sunchoke in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunchoke in Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Sunchoke planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kodiak Island Borough, AK?
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Kodiak Island Borough gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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