When to Plant Tomatoes in Alaska
In Alaska, the time to transplant tomatoes outside runs from Apr 11 – Apr 25 in Ketchikan to May 31 – Jun 14 in Kenai. In Anchorage, it's May 23 – Jun 6. 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.
Tomatoes are killed by frost and sulk in cold soil. Wait until nights stay above 50°F, usually one to three weeks after the average last frost.
- Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant outside: 1–3 weeks after the last frost.
Tomatoes planting dates in Alaska by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 5a | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Bethel | 4a | Mar 26 – Apr 9 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Fairbanks | 2a | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Homer | 6a | Mar 15 – Mar 29 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Juneau | 6a | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Kenai | 4b | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Ketchikan | 8a | Feb 7 – Feb 21 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Kodiak | 7b | Mar 4 – Mar 18 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Palmer | 5a | Mar 11 – Mar 25 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Sitka | 7b | Mar 8 – Mar 22 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Wasilla | 5a | Mar 21 – Apr 4 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
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 tomatoes.
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