FrostCal

When to Plant Zinnias in Alaska

In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Apr 18 – Apr 25, then sow outdoors May 23 – Jun 6, 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 Direct sow
Days to maturity 60–70 days

Frost-tender; direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost, or start indoors 3-4 weeks early for earlier blooms.

Zinnias Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsDirect sowTransplant
AnchorageApr 3 – Apr 10May 8 – May 22May 8 – May 15
FairbanksApr 18 – Apr 25May 23 – Jun 6May 23 – May 30
JuneauMar 23 – Mar 30Apr 27 – May 11Apr 27 – May 4
Eagle RiverApr 11 – Apr 18May 16 – May 30May 16 – May 23
BadgerApr 24 – May 1May 29 – Jun 12May 29 – Jun 5
Knik-FairviewApr 20 – Apr 27May 25 – Jun 8May 25 – Jun 1
CollegeApr 20 – Apr 27May 25 – Jun 8May 25 – Jun 1
WasillaApr 18 – Apr 25May 23 – Jun 6May 23 – May 30
SitkaApr 5 – Apr 12May 10 – May 24May 10 – May 17
LakesApr 18 – Apr 25May 23 – Jun 6May 23 – May 30
KetchikanMar 7 – Mar 14Apr 11 – Apr 25Apr 11 – Apr 18
TanainaApr 18 – Apr 25May 23 – Jun 6May 23 – May 30
KalifornskyMay 14 – May 21Jun 18 – Jul 2Jun 18 – Jun 25
KenaiApr 26 – May 3May 31 – Jun 14May 31 – Jun 7
Meadow LakesApr 18 – Apr 25May 23 – Jun 6May 23 – May 30
PalmerApr 8 – Apr 15May 13 – May 27May 13 – May 20
Elmendorf Air Force BaseApr 11 – Apr 18May 16 – May 30May 16 – May 23
BethelApr 23 – Apr 30May 28 – Jun 11May 28 – Jun 4
KodiakApr 1 – Apr 8May 6 – May 20May 6 – May 13
SterlingApr 22 – Apr 29May 27 – Jun 10May 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 zinnias in Alaska?

In a typical Alaska location, start seeds indoors Apr 18 – Apr 25, then sow outdoors May 23 – Jun 6, 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 zinnias take to grow?

Zinnias typically take 60–70 days from planting to harvest. Frost-tender; direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost, or start indoors 3-4 weeks early for earlier blooms.

Other Crops in Alaska

When to plant zinnias in other states

Related Guides