When to Plant Sunchoke in Stevens County, WA
Sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) are a native sunflower relative grown for their knobby, nutty-flavored tubers. They are extremely productive and nearly impossible to eradicate.
Stevens County, Washington is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 1,751 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 24.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Sunchoke to ensure they mature before fall.
Stevens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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 — Stevens County, WA
Sunchoke Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | September 13 | Sep 13 – Nov 8 |
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
137 days
Growing Tips for Stevens 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 Stevens County, WA?
Stevens County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Sunchoke planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stevens County, WA?
Stevens County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Stevens County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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