When to Plant Sunchoke in Wayne County, UT
Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) are a native sunflower relative grown for their knobby, nutty-flavored tubers. They are extremely productive and nearly impossible to eradicate.
Wayne County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 7,565 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 22.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Sunchoke during the growing season.
Wayne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Sunchoke Planting Timeline — Wayne County, UT
Sunchoke Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Harvest | September 17 | Sep 17 – Nov 12 |
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 5b
Growing Season
141 days
Growing Tips for Wayne 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
Level Up Your Garden
Sunchoke in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sunchoke in Wayne County, UT?
Wayne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Sunchoke planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wayne County, UT?
Wayne County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wayne County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.