FrostCal

When to Plant Potatoes 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.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 70–120 days

Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.

Potatoes Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sow
AnchorageApr 3 – Apr 17
FairbanksApr 18 – May 2
JuneauMar 23 – Apr 6
Eagle RiverApr 11 – Apr 25
BadgerApr 24 – May 8
Knik-FairviewApr 20 – May 4
CollegeApr 20 – May 4
WasillaApr 18 – May 2
SitkaApr 5 – Apr 19
LakesApr 18 – May 2
KetchikanMar 7 – Mar 21
TanainaApr 18 – May 2
KalifornskyMay 14 – May 28
KenaiApr 26 – May 10
Meadow LakesApr 18 – May 2
PalmerApr 8 – Apr 22
Elmendorf Air Force BaseApr 11 – Apr 25
BethelApr 23 – May 7
KodiakApr 1 – Apr 15
SterlingApr 22 – May 6

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 potatoes 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.

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 potatoes take to grow?

Potatoes typically take 70–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.

Other Crops in Alaska

When to plant potatoes in other states

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