When to Plant Basil in Alaska
In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Apr 4 – Apr 11, then transplant outdoors May 23 – May 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 18 in Kalifornsky.
Very frost/cold sensitive; start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost, transplant only after all danger of frost (1-2 weeks after) and nights stay warm.
Basil Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | Mar 20 – Mar 27 | May 8 – May 15 |
| Fairbanks | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Juneau | Mar 9 – Mar 16 | Apr 27 – May 4 |
| Eagle River | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Badger | Apr 10 – Apr 17 | May 29 – Jun 5 |
| Knik-Fairview | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 25 – Jun 1 |
| College | Apr 6 – Apr 13 | May 25 – Jun 1 |
| Wasilla | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Sitka | Mar 22 – Mar 29 | May 10 – May 17 |
| Lakes | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Ketchikan | Feb 21 – Feb 28 | Apr 11 – Apr 18 |
| Tanaina | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Kalifornsky | Apr 30 – May 7 | Jun 18 – Jun 25 |
| Kenai | Apr 12 – Apr 19 | May 31 – Jun 7 |
| Meadow Lakes | Apr 4 – Apr 11 | May 23 – May 30 |
| Palmer | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 13 – May 20 |
| Elmendorf Air Force Base | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 16 – May 23 |
| Bethel | Apr 9 – Apr 16 | May 28 – Jun 4 |
| Kodiak | Mar 18 – Mar 25 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Sterling | Apr 8 – Apr 15 | May 27 – Jun 3 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Alaska cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Alaska cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant basil in Alaska?
In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Apr 4 – Apr 11, then transplant outdoors May 23 – May 30. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 18 in Kalifornsky.
When is the last frost in Alaska?
The average last spring frost in Alaska ranges from April 4 in Ketchikan to June 11 in Kalifornsky, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do basil take to grow?
Basil typically take 50–70 days from planting to harvest. Very frost/cold sensitive; start indoors 5-6 weeks before last frost, transplant only after all danger of frost (1-2 weeks after) and nights stay warm.
Other Crops in Alaska
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant basil in other states