When to Plant Black-Eyed Susans in Alaska
Cheerful golden blooms that attract butterflies and tolerate drought. A backbone of the low-maintenance perennial garden.
The Short Answer
Alaska Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Alaska you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Alaska | 1a, 2a, 2b | May 15 - Jun 1 | Aug 20 - Sep 10 |
| Southcentral Alaska | 3b, 4a, 4b | May 1 - May 20 | Sep 10 - Sep 25 |
| Southeast Alaska | 5a, 5b, 6a | Apr 15 - May 5 | Sep 25 - Oct 15 |
Black-Eyed Susans Planting Schedule for Alaska
Interior Alaska (Zones 1a, 2a, 2b)
Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Aug 20 - Sep 10
Southcentral Alaska (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25
Southeast Alaska (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15
Growing Black-Eyed Susans in Alaska
Black-Eyed Susans in Alaska's Climate
Black-eyed Susans are native wildflowers that thrive in cold-climate conditions. Plant divisions or nursery plants from spring through early fall. They handle poor soil, drought once established, and cold winters without complaint. Leave seed heads standing through winter for bird food and visual interest.
Soil Considerations for Alaska
Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common.
Alaska Climate & Growing Season
Extreme daylight variation. Summer days of 18-24 hours of sunlight accelerate growth. Very short growing season in interior. Black-Eyed Susans can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Alaska's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.
Growing season length varies across Alaska: Interior Alaska (1a, 2a, 2b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southeast Alaska (5a, 5b, 6a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 5. This difference matters for black-eyed susans — but black-eyed susans handle frost well, so the timing difference is less critical.
Growing Tips
Leave seed heads standing through winter for birds and visual interest. Self-seeds freely — deadhead if you don't want more.
Companion Planting
Plant black-eyed susans alongside these companions for better growth:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026