FrostCal

When to Plant Dahlias in Alaska

In a typical Alaska location, plant outdoors May 23 – Jun 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 11 in Ketchikan and as late as Jun 18 in Kalifornsky.

Method Plant out (slips, crowns, or tubers)
Days to maturity 90–120 days

Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.

Dahlias Planting Dates by City

CityPlant outdoors
AnchorageMay 8 – May 22
FairbanksMay 23 – Jun 6
JuneauApr 27 – May 11
Eagle RiverMay 16 – May 30
BadgerMay 29 – Jun 12
Knik-FairviewMay 25 – Jun 8
CollegeMay 25 – Jun 8
WasillaMay 23 – Jun 6
SitkaMay 10 – May 24
LakesMay 23 – Jun 6
KetchikanApr 11 – Apr 25
TanainaMay 23 – Jun 6
KalifornskyJun 18 – Jul 2
KenaiMay 31 – Jun 14
Meadow LakesMay 23 – Jun 6
PalmerMay 13 – May 27
Elmendorf Air Force BaseMay 16 – May 30
BethelMay 28 – Jun 11
KodiakMay 6 – May 20
SterlingMay 27 – Jun 10

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 dahlias in Alaska?

In a typical Alaska location, plant outdoors May 23 – Jun 6. 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 dahlias take to grow?

Dahlias typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant tubers 1-3 weeks after last frost once soil is warm (60F+); very frost-sensitive.

Other Crops in Alaska

When to plant dahlias in other states

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