This is the Frosty Garden seed starting schedule that we use for our vegetable and flower gardens within Interior Alaska.
Our schedule was originally based on the UAF Extension Service schedule. Over the years, we have expanded it based on our needs, personal experience and the things we grow.
Our vegetable seeding schedule
Our flower seeding schedule
If you would like to see what you should be planting based on the month, check out the following articles:
- What you should be planting in March
- What you should be planting in April
- What you should be planting in May
If you are interested in starting your own vegetables from seed, following a seed starting schedule is important.
Different plants take different amounts of time to germinate and grow to an appropriate size for transplanting. Following a schedule for your region will ensure that your plants are the right size for transplanting outdoors.
Is this your first year and not sure where to start? We have a bunch of articles written about this subject as well as detailed information about our plant germination & raising techniques. Lots of gardening tips, too!
Notes About The Frosty Garden Planting Schedule
- Our schedule is sortable and searchable to make things easier to find. Try searching for “cold hardy” to find all cold hardy plants. Or “zone 3” to find zone 3 perennials.
- The “Weeks Before Last Frost” indicates how many weeks prior to our last frost date to plant seeds. June 1st is the date recognized as last frost in the Interior Alaska area and is a good target for most subarctic gardeners to transplant outdoors. See below for this year’s dates.
- The schedule indicates whether we sow indoors or direct sow in our outdoor gardens.
- Where appropriate, we have put notes relevant to the process, variety considerations and notes specific to subarctic growing that we’ve learned.
- A plus in the schedule indicates it is sowed after last frost, by the stated number of weeks.
- When a range is stated, we usually choose the earlier schedule, but any dates within the range are acceptable. If you have limited indoor growing space, the later dates are recommended. You can also use succession planting techniques which can extend your harvest over time.
- If you compare the flower schedule to other regions, you will find that some varieties are sowed much earlier than you might see recommended in warmer zones. This earlier planting reflects our short summer and will ensure you have beautiful blooms during our short growing season!
- Unlike many schedules, we include a number of perennials, especially those hardy in zones 2-5. We also include poisonous plants, appropriately identified. Please use your own judgment with these, especially if you have pets.
- Live in a different region or zone? You can easily use our schedule by adjusting dates for your last frost date.
2021 Weeks To Last Frost Schedule For Interior Alaska
These are the 2021 dates, based on the weeks before last frost. Adding or subtracting a few days will not make a huge difference, so plant when it’s convenient for you.
Vegetable schedule | Flower schedule
| Weeks To Last Frost: | Date: |
|---|---|
| 12 Weeks To Last Frost: | 3/9/2021 |
| 11 Weeks To Last Frost: | 3/16/2021 |
| 10 Weeks To Last Frost: | 3/23/2021 |
| 9 Weeks To Last Frost: | 3/30/2021 |
| 8 Weeks To Last Frost: | 4/6/2021 |
| 7 Weeks To Last Frost: | 4/13/2021 |
| 6 Weeks To Last Frost: | 4/20/2021 |
| 5 Weeks To Last Frost: | 4/27/2021 |
| 4 Weeks To Last Frost: | 5/4/2021 |
| 3 Weeks To Last Frost: | 5/11/2021 |
| 2 Weeks To Last Frost: | 5/18/2021 |
| 1 Weeks To Last Frost: | 5/25/2021 |
| 0 Weeks To Last Frost: | 6/1/2021 |
| +1 Weeks From Last Frost: | 6/8/2021 |
| +2 Weeks From Last Frost: | 6/15/2021 |
Vegetable Planting Schedule For Interior Alaska
Flower schedule | Date Schedule
| Vegetable: | Method: | Weeks To Last Frost: | Notes: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garlic | Fall Sow | See notes | Cold hardy. Plant garlic in very late summer, 2-3 weeks before first frost. Typically mid to late August. Hardneck varieties only. Cover bed with mulch for best overwintering results. |
| Asparagus, Seed | Start Indoors | 12 | Cold hardy. Can perennialize down to zone 3. Soaking seeds overnight recommended. Asparagus crowns can be used to bypass early planting requirement. If using crowns, direct sow as soon as soil is workable. |
| Onion, Seed | Start Indoors | 10-12 | Cold hardy. Using onion sets are an alternative technique to bypass early planting requirements. Use long day varieties only. |
| Shallot | Start Indoors | 10-12 | |
| Celeriac | Start Indoors | 9-10 | Frost tolerant. |
| Celery | Start Indoors | 9-10 | Frost tolerant. |
| Leek | Start Indoors | 8-10 | Cold hardy. |
| Mint | Start Indoors | 8-10 | Invasive. Containers or other dedicated space recommended for final planting. Some varieties can perennalize down to zone 3. |
| Onion, Green | Start Indoors | 8-10 | |
| Cardoon | Start Indoors | 8-9 | Frost tolerant. Prolific grower and easier to grow than artichoke. |
| Artichoke | Start Indoors | 8-9 | Growing guide. Frost tolerant. Choose a variety that can be grown as an annual. Imperial Star and Green Globe are good varieties for Interior Alaska. |
| Eggplant | Start Indoors | 8-9 | Not all varieties are tolerant to Interior Alaska. Patio Baby is a great variety. Does well in containers and outside in Interior Alaska. |
| Chives | Start Indoors | 8-9 | Cold hardy. Can be a perennial in zone 3, sometimes zone 2. |
| Sage | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Peppers | Start Indoors | 7-8 | Growing guide. Cold sensitive. Transplant outdoors 1-2 weeks after last frost. If going into a greenhouse, can be started 9-12 weeks before last frost. Greenhouse should have no frost danger (heated) to transplant earlier than last frost. If you intend to top your plant, start 2-3 weeks before recommended dates. Choose varieties with sub-100 day maturity, preferably 75 days or less. |
| Anise | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Borage | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Can also be grown for flowers. |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Growing guide. Cold hardy. Choose varieties with maturity dates of 125 days or less in subarctic climates. For best results, top plant August 1st and remove several leaves from bottom to top every few weeks. |
| Catnip | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Frost tolerant. Tendency to flower early due to subarctic photoperiodism. Harvest before major flowers develop for best results. Great pollinator attractor after flowering. |
| Cat Grass | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Can also grow in a small pot for your kitties! |
| Cumin | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Collards | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Cold hardy. |
| Ground Cherries | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Greenhouse ground cherries can be planted 8-10 weeks before last frost and put in greenhouse mid-May. |
| Huckleberry, Garden | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Lemon Balm | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Can be invasive similar to mint. Planting in dedicated space or containers recommended. |
| Radicchio | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Frost tolerant. |
| Stevia | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Tomatoes | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Growing guide. Greenhouse tomatoes can be planted 8-10 weeks before last frost and put in greenhouse mid-May. If you are very limited on space, 5 weeks to last frost is advised. Choose varieties with sub-100 day maturity, preferably 75 days or less. Seek cold climate varieties. |
| Tomatillo | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Greenhouse tomatillos can be planted 8-10 weeks before last frost and put in greenhouse mid-May. If you are very limited on space, 5 weeks to last frost is advised. |
| Chamomile | Start Indoors | 6-7 | Prolific subarctic producer. Can produce several harvests over the season. |
| Marjoram | Start Indoors | 6-7 | Tends to flower very early due to subarctic photoperiodism. Keep an eye on it & harvest prior to major flowering. For increased harvest, grow more plants, |
| Thyme | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Parsley | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Oregano | Start Indoors | 6-7 | Tends to flower early due to subarctic photoperiodism, keep an eye on it and harvest before major blooming. For increased harvest, grow more plants, |
| Tarragon | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Cilantro | Start Indoors | 6-7 | Quick to bolt. Of all varieties we've tested, Calyspo cilantro is the most bolt resistant we've found. Coriander production in Alaska is marginal, any variety that isn't bolt resistant will do. If growing for coriander only, seeding earlier would be beneficial. |
| Kale | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Cold hardy. |
| Strawberry Spinich | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Can reseed itself & grow year after year. |
| Broccoli | Start Indoors | 4-7 | Cold hardy. For succession crop, choose early, mid and late varieties. All will reach full maturity in subarctic climates. |
| Arugula | Start Indoors | 4-6 | Cold hardy. Can also direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost. For a late harvest, direct sow early to mid-August. |
| Cauliflower | Start Indoors | 4-6 | Frost tolerant. |
| Endive | Start Indoors | 4-6 | Cold hardy. |
| Fennel, Bulb | Start Indoors | 4-6 | |
| Kohlrabi | Start Indoors | 4-6 | Cold hardy. |
| Okra | Start Indoors | 4-6 | Northern varieties such as Jambalaya are strongly recommended. Warm soil only. Greenhouse & container planting strongly advised. Transplant into greenhouse 1-2 weeks after last frost. Challenging & marginal harvest in subarctic. |
| Purslane, Garden | Start Indoors | 4-6 | |
| Sorrel | Start Indoors | 4-6 | Cold hardy. Can also direct sow at last frost or later. Best young, plant successively for multiple harvests. Rumex acetosa (English variety) can perrenialize down to zone 4. |
| Spinach, Malabar | Start Indoors | 4-6 | |
| Basil | Start Indoors | 4-5 | |
| Cabbage | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Cold hardy. |
| Corn | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Doesn't transplant well. Indoor sowing still strongly advised. Warm soil & container planting preferred. Legend, Cafe and Espresso varieties are top producers in the subarctic. |
| Dill | Start Indoors | 4-5 | |
| Lettuce, Leaf | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Cold hardy. |
| Melon, Early | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Melons are a highly marginal crop in Alaska and have a high chance of crop failure. Greenhouse conditions and pollination by hand is most ideal. Cold climate varieties, such as Minnesota Midget, are recommended as a starting point. |
| Mustard Greens | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Cold hardy. Can also direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost. Bolts in temperatures higher than 80F. For a late season harvest, plant early to mid-August. |
| Orach | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Cold hardy. Can also direct sow 2 weeks before last frost and up to 2 weeks after last frost. Bolt resistant alternative to spinach. |
| Squash, Summer | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Growing guide. Frost sensitive. Grows fast & large. Delay sowing if limited by indoor growing space. |
| Squash, Winter | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Growing guide. Frost sensitive. Grows fast & large. Delay sowing if limited by indoor growing space. |
| Zucchini | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Frost sensitive. Grows fast & large. Delay sowing if limited by indoor growing space. |
| Bok Choy | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Frost tolerant. |
| Chinese Cabbage | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Frost tolerant. |
| Pumpkins | Start Indoors | 3-5 | |
| Chard, Swiss | Start Indoors | 3-5 | Cold hardy. |
| Spinach | Sow Indoors | 3-6 | Cold hardy. Doesn’t always transplant well. Can also direct sow outdoors 2 weeks before last frost. Usually bolts by late June. For a second harvest, plant again in early to mid-August. |
| Lettuce, Head | Start Indoors | 3-6 | Cold hardy. |
| Cucumber | Start Indoors | 3-4 | Frost sensitive. Grows fast & large. Delay sowing if limited by indoor growing space. Greenhouse cucumbers can be planted 5-6 weeks before last frost and moved to greenhouse mid-May Several parthenocarpic varieties do well in cooler climates and are valuable for subarctic greenhouse growing. |
| Beets | Direct sow | 0-2 | Cold Hardy. |
| Carrot | Direct sow | 0-2 | Cold hardy. |
| Horseradish, Cutting | Direct sow | 0-2 | Cold hardy. Can perennialize down to zone 3. Soak root cutting for 24 hours prior to planting. Can also be grown from seed, but low germination rates tend to make cuttings more favorable & successful. |
| Mustard, Chinese Bald Head | Direct sow | 0-2 | Cold hardy. |
| Onion, Set | Direct sow | 0-2 | Cold hardy. Onion sets work well in interior Alaska. If growing from seed, start 10-12 weeks before last frost. Use long day varieties only. |
| Parsnip | Direct sow | 0-2 | Cold hardy. |
| Peas | Direct sow | 0-2 | Frost tolerant. |
| Potatoes | Direct sow | 0-2 | Cold hardy. |
| Radish | Direct sow | 0-2 | Frost tolerant. Also heat sensitive. Does well late May to late June & early August up to hard frost. |
| Rutabaga | Direct sow | 0-2 | Cold hardy. |
| Strawberry | Direct sow, bare root | 0-2 | Cold hardy. Recommend buying bare root. Starting from seed is possible, but an advanced technique. Toklat is the strongest subarctic variety we've found. Covering beds with mulch for winter is recommended. |
| Turnip | Direct Sow | 0-2 | Cold hardy. |
| Beans, Bush | Direct sow | +0-2 | Sow when frost danger has passed |
| Beans, Pole | Direct sow | +0-2 | Sow when frost danger has passed |
Flower Planting Schedule For Interior Alaska
Vegetable schedule | Date Schedule
| Flowers: | Method: | Weeks To Last Frost: | Notes: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geranium | Start Indoors | 12 | |
| Begonia, Tubers | Start Indoors | 11-12 | |
| Begonia, Wax | Start Indoors | 11-12 | |
| Datura (Devil or Angel Trumpet) | Start Indoors | 10-12 | Warning, poisonous! |
| Digitalis (Foxglove) | Start Indoors | 10-12 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Eucalyptus | Start Indoors | 10-12 | |
| Heliotrope | Start Indoors | 10-12 | Warning, poisonous! Can take up to 30-40 days to germinate. Sometimes called "Cherry Pie". |
| Vinca | Start Indoors | 10-12 | |
| Rhodochiton | Start Indoors | 10-11 | |
| Salvia | Start Indoors | 10-11 | |
| Portulaca | Start Indoors | 10 | |
| Ranunculus | Start Indoors | 10 | |
| Daisy, Shasta | Start Indoors | 9-10 | |
| Dusty Miller | Start Indoors | 9-10 | |
| Hollyhock | Start Indoors | 9-10 | |
| Lobelia | Start Indoors | 9-10 | |
| Althea Zebium | Start Indoors | 9 | |
| Gazania | Start Indoors | 9 | |
| Lupine | Start Indoors | 9 | Cold hardy. Can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Coleus | Start Indoors | 8-10 | |
| Delphinium | Start Indoors | 8-10 | Cold stratification recommended. Can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Start Indoors | 8-10 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended. Can also direct sow in prior to winter. |
| Gailardia (Blanket Flower) | Start Indoors | 8-10 | Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Petunia | Start Indoors | 8-10 | |
| Nemesia | Start Indoors | 8-9 | |
| Viola (Pansy) | Start Indoors | 8-9 | |
| Asperula | Start Indoors | 8 | |
| Impatiens (Balsam, Touch-Me-Not) | Start Indoors | 8 | |
| Kochia | Start Indoors | 8 | |
| Malope | Start Indoors | 8 | |
| Milkweed, Butterfly | Start Indoors | 8 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended. |
| Milkweed, Swamp | Start Indoors | 8 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended. |
| Milkweed, Showy | Start Indoors | 8 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended. |
| Statice | Start Indoors | 8 | |
| Sweet William | Start Indoors | 8 | |
| Bells of Ireland | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Calendula | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Cosmos | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Daisy, English | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Dianthus | Start Indoors | 7-8 | Frost tolerant. Carnation is a common variety in this genus. Early seeding allows flowering as annual. Some dianthus varieties can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Feverfew | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Lychnis | Start Indoors | 7-8 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Mallow | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Malva | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Nicotiana | Start Indoors | 7-8 | Caution, mildly toxic. |
| Snapdragon | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Straw Flowers | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Verbena | Start Indoors | 7-8 | |
| Artemisia | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Many varieties. Check seed packet for specific instructions. Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Canterbury Bells (Cups & Saucers) | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Requires light to germinate. Hardy and biennial to zone 5. |
| Daisy, Livingstone | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Also known as Dorotheanthus Bellidiformis. |
| Craspedia (Drumstick Flower) | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Four O'Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Soak seeds overnight for best results. Can be treated like a Dahlia by digging up and replanting tuber between seasons. |
| Gomphrena | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Sanvitalia (Creeping Zinnia) | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare) | Start Indoors | 6-8 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended. Requires 15-30 days for germination. |
| Thunbergia (Black Eyed Susan Vine) | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Vera (English) Lavender | Start Indoors | 6-8 | |
| Aster | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Chinese Lantern | Start Indoors | 6-7 | Warning, invasive & poisonous! Requires light to germinate. Can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Dahlia Tubers | Start Indoors | 6-7 | Dahlia can be maintained as a subarctic perennial by digging up the tubers and replanting every year. |
| Daisy, African | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Gladiola Corms | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Godetia | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Layia | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Phlox | Start Indoors | 6-7 | Frost tolerant. |
| Schizanthus (Butterfly Flower) | Start Indoors | 6-7 | |
| Honeywort (Cerinthe) | Start Indoors | 6 | Can perennialize down to zone 2. Soak seeds overnight for best results. |
| Lavatera | Start Indoors | 6 | |
| Linaria | Start Indoors | 6 | |
| Marigold | Start Indoors | 6 | |
| Poppy, Oriental | Start Indoors | 6 | |
| Poppy, Typical | Start Indoors | 6 | |
| Wallflower, Siberian | Start Indoors | 6 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. Biennial. |
| Ageratum (Floss Flower) | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Alaska Cut Mix | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Common mix found in Alaska nurseries |
| Baby's Breath | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Candy Tuft | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Clarkia | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Dahlia, Seed | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Seeded dahlias can be genetically unstable. Tubers provide better, more stable results for specific varieties. |
| Iceplant | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 4. Check seed packet for specific instructions. |
| Larkspur | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Warning, poisonous! Follow seed packet instructions, may require stratification and/or other special treatment depending on variety. |
| Morning Glory | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Nigella | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Rudbeckia | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Salpiglossis | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Scabiosa (Pincushion) | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Some varieties are perennial and can perennialize down to zone 3. |
| Stock | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Sweet Pea | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Frost tolerant. |
| Ursinia | Start Indoors | 5-6 | |
| Yarrow | Start Indoors | 5-6 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. Growing color yarrow can influence the color of (commonly white) wild yarrow. |
| Agrostemma (Corn Cockle) | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Some varieties are planted earlier. Check your seed packet for variety specific instructions. |
| Amaranth | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Love Lies Bleeding is a popular garden Amaranth. |
| Celosia | Start Indoors | 4-5 | |
| Cockscomb | Start Indoors | 4-5 | |
| Columbine | Start Indoors | 4-5 | |
| Elecampane | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Requires light to germinate. Can perrenialize to zone 3. Alternate names include Inula, British Yellowhead, Irish Fleabane, Marchalan, and Horseheal. |
| Nasturtium | Start Indoors | 4-5 | Can also be direct sowed 1-2 weeks before last frost. For very early blooms, can be started up to 8 weeks before last frost. |
| Zinnia | Start Indoors | 4 | |
| Sunflower | Start Indoors | 4 | |
| Centaurea (Bachelor Buttons) | Start Indoors | 3-5 | Early planting, early blooms. Can also be direct sowed at last frost |
| Canary Bird Vine | Start Indoors | 3-4 | |
| Lion's Ear (Klip Dagga) | Start Indoors | 3-4 | Warning, mild narcotic. Sometimes called "wild cannabis." It can grow 8-10 feet tall in a single season. Tendency to self-seed. |
| Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) | Start indoors | 3-4 | Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended. Roots and leaves are edible. |
| Mignoette | Start Indoors | 3-4 | |
| Nemophila | Start Indoors | 3-4 | |
| Poppy, California | Direct Sow | 3-4 | Can also direct sow after last frost. |
| Alyssum, Sweet | Start Indoors | 3-4 | |
| Forget Me Not | Start Indoors | 3-4 | The Alaska State flower! Can also be direct sowed around last frost. |
