Alaska Planting Guide & Growing Season
Alaska is in USDA hardiness zone 1a-7b with a growing season of 100 days. The average last spring frost is May 30 and the average first fall frost is Sep 5. Climate data based on Juneau.
Growing Conditions in Alaska
How Alaska Compares
Compare Alaska's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
| Colorado (CO) | 3b-7a | May 10 | Oct 1 | 145 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Alaska
When should I start seeds indoors in Alaska?
In Alaska, the average last frost date is May 30. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Alaska is 1a-7b, with a growing season of approximately 100 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Alaska?
Alaska falls in USDA hardiness zones 1a-7b. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Alaska?
The average first frost date in Alaska is Sep 5. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Alaska?
Alaska has an average growing season of 100 days, from the last frost (May 30) to first frost (Sep 5). This shorter season requires starting many crops indoors and choosing quick-maturing varieties.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.