When to Plant Lettuce in Alaska
In a typical Alaska location, sow outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Ketchikan and as late as May 14 in Kalifornsky. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 29 – Aug 12.
Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Also transplantable from indoor starts.
Lettuce Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | Apr 3 – Apr 17 | Aug 4 – Aug 18 |
| Fairbanks | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Juneau | Mar 23 – Apr 6 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Eagle River | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Badger | Apr 24 – May 8 | Jul 8 – Jul 22 |
| Knik-Fairview | Apr 20 – May 4 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
| College | Apr 20 – May 4 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
| Wasilla | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Sitka | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
| Lakes | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Ketchikan | Mar 7 – Mar 21 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
| Tanaina | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Kalifornsky | May 14 – May 28 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
| Kenai | Apr 26 – May 10 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
| Meadow Lakes | Apr 18 – May 2 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Palmer | Apr 8 – Apr 22 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Elmendorf Air Force Base | Apr 11 – Apr 25 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
| Bethel | Apr 23 – May 7 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Kodiak | Apr 1 – Apr 15 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Sterling | Apr 22 – May 6 | Jul 27 – Aug 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 lettuce in Alaska?
In a typical Alaska location, sow outdoors Apr 18 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 7 in Ketchikan and as late as May 14 in Kalifornsky. For a fall crop, plant around Jul 29 – Aug 12.
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 lettuce take to grow?
Lettuce typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Cold-hardy; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost. Also transplantable from indoor starts.
Other Crops in Alaska
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant lettuce in other states