Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Alaska

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

In Alaska, soil conditions are an important factor for potatoes. Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common. Direct sow 2 weeks before your last frost date.

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

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Alaska

Interior Alaska (Zones 1a, 2a, 2b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Aug 20 - Sep 10

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Southcentral Alaska (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Southeast Alaska (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Alaska

Potatoes in Alaska's Climate

Your cold climate grows excellent potatoes. Plant seed potatoes when soil reaches 45°F — typically mid to late April. Sandy northern soils warm quickly and produce clean, well-shaped tubers. Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have been premier potato regions for over a century. The moderate summer temperatures allow slow, steady tuber development that builds starch and flavor.

Soil Considerations for Alaska

Varies widely. Interior has permafrost challenges. Raised beds essential for warming soil. Highly acidic soils common. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for potatoes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Alaska Climate & Growing Season

Extreme daylight variation. Summer days of 18-24 hours of sunlight accelerate growth. Very short growing season in interior.

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 potatoes — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be grown successfully across Alaska, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Interior Alaska gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southeast Alaska can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Alaska Planting Calendar All plants for Alaska Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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