When to Plant Marigolds in Alaska

In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Apr 4 – Apr 18, 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.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 45–60 days

Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Marigolds Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
AnchorageMar 20 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
FairbanksApr 4 – Apr 18May 23 – May 30
JuneauMar 9 – Mar 23Apr 27 – May 4
Eagle RiverMar 28 – Apr 11May 16 – May 23
BadgerApr 10 – Apr 24May 29 – Jun 5
Knik-FairviewApr 6 – Apr 20May 25 – Jun 1
CollegeApr 6 – Apr 20May 25 – Jun 1
WasillaApr 4 – Apr 18May 23 – May 30
SitkaMar 22 – Apr 5May 10 – May 17
LakesApr 4 – Apr 18May 23 – May 30
KetchikanFeb 21 – Mar 7Apr 11 – Apr 18
TanainaApr 4 – Apr 18May 23 – May 30
KalifornskyApr 30 – May 14Jun 18 – Jun 25
KenaiApr 12 – Apr 26May 31 – Jun 7
Meadow LakesApr 4 – Apr 18May 23 – May 30
PalmerMar 25 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
Elmendorf Air Force BaseMar 28 – Apr 11May 16 – May 23
BethelApr 9 – Apr 23May 28 – Jun 4
KodiakMar 18 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13
SterlingApr 8 – Apr 22May 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 marigolds in Alaska?

In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Apr 4 – Apr 18, 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 marigolds take to grow?

Marigolds typically take 45–60 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost, transplant after all frost danger has passed.

Other Crops in Alaska

When to plant marigolds in other states

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