When to Plant Potatoes in Alaska
In Alaska, the time to plant potatoes outside runs from Mar 14 – Mar 28 in Ketchikan to May 3 – May 17 in Kenai. In Anchorage, it's Apr 25 – May 9. The average last spring frost differs by about 7 weeks across the state (Apr 4 in Ketchikan, May 24 in Kenai), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Plant seed potatoes a few weeks before the last frost; cover any shoots if a late frost threatens.
- Plant outside: 1–3 weeks before the last frost.
Potatoes planting dates in Alaska by city
| City | Zone | Plant outside |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 5a | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Bethel | 4a | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Fairbanks | 2a | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Homer | 6a | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Juneau | 6a | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Kenai | 4b | May 3 – May 17 |
| Ketchikan | 8a | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Kodiak | 7b | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Palmer | 5a | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Sitka | 7b | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Wasilla | 5a | Apr 25 – May 9 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Alaska, or the general guide to when to plant potatoes.
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