Interior Alaska Seed Starting Schedule

This is the Frosty Garden seed starting schedule that we use for our vegetable, flower and herb gardens within Interior Alaska.

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.

The full guide on this page will be adequate for USDA zones 2A through 4B.  We also provide date corrections & general guidance for all of Alaska and other northern areas!

Not sure what USDA zone you’re in, live in a different part of Alaska or maybe another country?  We’ve got you covered!  We also have northern seed planting schedules on easy mode!

Skip right to the schedules with the links below if you like, or read on for some introductory information about our Alaska planting schedule.

Our Complete Zone 2a to 4b Sowing Schedules:

Vegetable & Herb Seeding Schedule

Flower Seeding Schedule

New! Downloadable Versions Of Our Planting Schedule!

These downloadable seed planting schedules are the “easy mode” for garden planting schedules.  If you don’t find what you’re looking for on these schedules, be sure to check our more thorough sowing schedule below.

Month By Month Planting Articles

These are our guides for what you should be planting based on the month in zones 2A through 4B:

What You Should Be Planting In March 👉

What You Should Be Planting In April 👉

What You Should Be Planting In May 👉

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 default ordering (when this page loads) is essentially in order of when we plant them.
  • The “Weeks Before Last Frost” indicates how many weeks prior to your last frost date to plant seeds.  For Alaska’s primary USDA zones, these dates are:

Zone 1A-1B:  June 15th
Zone 2A-4B:  June 1st
Zone 5A-7B:  May 1st
Zone 8A-8B:  April 1st

Remember, these are averages, not absolutes!  Actual last frost dates can come prior or after the estimated date!

  • Our schedule is tuned toward home scale gardening, not commercial production.  Commercial plants are often sowed earlier to make them more attractive to the buyer.  Younger plants are easier to work with and more successfully transplanted.  Both get to the same goal.
  • A plus in the schedule indicates it is sowed after last frost, by the stated number of weeks.
  • 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.
  • 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 like the lower-48, you will find that some varieties are sowed much earlier than you might see recommended in warmer zones.  This earlier planting reflects our short summers 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 2-4.  We also include some poisonous and “known narcotic” 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.  We did a lot of this hard work for you!  Our schedule should be appropriate for most extreme northern climates when adjusted for last frost.

2024 Weeks To Last Frost Schedule For Interior Alaska

These are the 2024 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.

This schedule is geared towards USDA zones 2A through 4B.  Live in a different USDA zone in Alaska?  Here’s your planting date corrections!

Vegetable schedule | Flower schedule

Weeks To Last Frost:Date:
12 Weeks To Last Frost:3/9/2024
11 Weeks To Last Frost:3/16/2024
10 Weeks To Last Frost:3/23/2024
9 Weeks To Last Frost:3/30/2024
8 Weeks To Last Frost:4/6/2024
7 Weeks To Last Frost:4/13/2024
6 Weeks To Last Frost:4/20/2024
5 Weeks To Last Frost:4/27/2024
4 Weeks To Last Frost:5/4/2024
3 Weeks To Last Frost:5/11/2024
2 Weeks To Last Frost:5/18/2024
1 Weeks To Last Frost:5/25/2024
0 Weeks To Last Frost:6/1/2024
+1 Weeks From Last Frost:6/8/2024
+2 Weeks From Last Frost:6/15/2024

Vegetable & Herb Planting Schedule For Interior Alaska

Flower schedule | Date Schedule

Vegetable:Method:Weeks To Last Frost:Notes:
GarlicFall SowSee notesCold hardy. Plant garlic 2 weeks before or up to first frost. Typically late August to mid-September. Hardneck varieties only. Cover bed with mulch for best overwintering results.
Asparagus, SeedStart Indoors12Cold 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.
CeleriacStart Indoors10-12Frost tolerant.
CeleryStart Indoors10-12Frost tolerant.
Onion, SeedStart Indoors10-12Growing guide. Cold hardy. Using onion sets are an alternative technique to bypass early planting requirements. Use long day varieties only.
RosemaryStart Indoors10-12Can be challenging to grow from seed. Recommend growing in containers & overwintering indoors for perennial rosemary.
ShallotStart Indoors10-12Growing guide. Shallots are a preferred target of onion flies (a variety of root maggot), prevalent even in subarctic climates. If growing them, protection of ALL allium crops with hoop nets is strongly advised!
LeekStart Indoors8-10Cold hardy. Leeks run little risk of flowering during the short subarctic season. Seeds can be planted up to 12 weeks to last frost.
MintStart Indoors8-10Invasive. Containers or other dedicated space recommended for final planting. Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 3 or 4. For zone 3 perennialization, we recommend strong thermal mass, such as near a home or other heat sources.
Onion, GreenStart Indoors8-10For a succession crop, continue planting every 1-2 weeks up to about 4 weeks before last frost. Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 2! (e.g. allium fistulosum)
CardoonStart Indoors8-9Frost tolerant. Prolific grower and easier to grow than artichoke.
ArtichokeStart Indoors8-9Growing guide. Frost tolerant. Choose a variety that can be grown as an annual. Imperial Star and Green Globe are good varieties for Interior Alaska.
EggplantStart Indoors8-9Not all varieties are tolerant to Alaska. Patio Baby is a great variety to start with. Does well in containers and grown outdoors in Interior Alaska in most summers.
ChivesStart Indoors8-9Cold hardy. Can perennialize down to zone 2.
Fennel, BulbStart Indoors8-9Leaf fennel features a different schedule, see 4-6 weeks before last frost.
SageStart Indoors7-8
PeppersStart Indoors7-8Growing 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.
AniseStart Indoors6-8
BorageStart Indoors6-8Can also be grown for flowers.
Brussels SproutsStart Indoors6-8Growing 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.
CatnipStart Indoors6-8Frost tolerant. Tendency to flower early due to subarctic photoperiodism. Harvest before major flowers develop for best results. Great pollinator attractor after flowering.
Cat GrassStart Indoors6-8Can grow in a small pot for your kitties! Helps to keep cats away from garden starts. If your cats like it, cat grass can be grown all year with residual or supplemental light.
CuminStart Indoors6-8
CollardsStart Indoors6-8Cold hardy.
Ground CherriesStart Indoors6-8Can generally follow tomato growing guide for general nightshade advice. Greenhouse ground cherries can be planted 8-10 weeks before last frost and put in greenhouse mid-May.
Huckleberry, GardenStart Indoors6-8Can generally follow tomato growing guide for general nightshade advice.
Lemon BalmStart Indoors6-8Can be invasive similar to mint. Planting in dedicated space or containers recommended. Perennial down to zone 3.
RadicchioStart Indoors6-8Frost tolerant.
SteviaStart Indoors6-8
TomatoesStart Indoors6-8Growing 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.
TomatilloStart Indoors6-8Can generally follow tomato growing guide for nightshade advice. 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.
BroccoliStart Indoors4-7Cold hardy. For succession crop, choose early, mid and late varieties. All will reach full maturity in subarctic climates. Can also succession plant.
ChamomileStart Indoors6-7Prolific subarctic producer. Can produce several harvests over the season.
CilantroStart Indoors6-7Growing guide. 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. We'd recommend 8-10 weeks before last frost.
MarjoramStart Indoors6-7Tends to flower very early due to subarctic photoperiodism. Keep an eye on it & harvest prior to major flowering. For increased harvest, grow more plants.
OreganoStart Indoors6-7Tends to flower early due to subarctic photoperiodism, keep an eye on it and harvest before major blooming. For increased harvest, grow more plants.
ParsleyStart Indoors6-7
Seasoning CeleryStart Indoors6-7Note, this is NOT celery. Seasoning celery is an herb that grows like parsley, but with intense celery flavor.
TarragonStart Indoors6-7
ThymeStart Indoors6-7Harvest once flowers start to emerge, typically in early to mid August.
KaleStart Indoors5-6Cold hardy.
LovageStart Indoors5-6Can perennialize down to zone 3. Herb, tastes sort of like celery.
Strawberry SpinichStart Indoors5-6Can reseed itself & grow year after year.
ArugulaStart Indoors4-6Cold hardy. Can also direct sow 2-3 weeks before last frost. For a late harvest, direct sow early to mid-August.
CauliflowerStart Indoors4-6Frost tolerant.
ChervilStart Indoors4-6Also called French parsley. Anthriscus cerefolium.
EndiveStart Indoors4-6Cold hardy.
Fennel, LeafStart Indoors4-6For bulb fennel, see the alternate schedule around 8-9 weeks to last frost.
KohlrabiStart Indoors4-6Cold hardy.
KomatsunaStart Indoors4-6Cold hardy. Also known as spinach mustard, but is technically a brassica.
Lettuce, HeadStart Indoors4-6Cold hardy.
OkraStart Indoors4-6Northern 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, GardenStart Indoors4-6
ShishoStart Indoors4-6Also known as beefsteak or perilla. Can self-seed if allowed to flower.
SorrelStart Indoors4-6Cold 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, MalabarStart Indoors4-6
BasilStart Indoors4-5
CabbageStart Indoors4-5Cold hardy.
CornStart Indoors4-5Indoor sowing strongly advised. Sow into 3.5" or larger pots if possible. Warm soil & container planting preferred. Legend, Cafe and Espresso varieties are top producers in the subarctic.
Corn SaladStart Indoors4-5Cold hardy. Also known as Lamb's Lettuce and Mâche. Valerianella locusta. Can also direct sow, typical 50 day crop. Freezes well. For fall, sow late July to early August.
DillStart Indoors4-5If pickling is your primary goal, there's wisdom to starting dill later. (Even as late as a direct sow.) Dill can produce greens in about 4 to 6 weeks from seed. If flowering is your goal, our suggested dates will produce flowers by late season.
Lettuce, LeafStart Indoors4-5Cold hardy.
Melon, EarlyStart Indoors4-5Melons 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 GreensStart Indoors4-5Cold 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.
OrachStart Indoors4-5Cold hardy. Can also direct sow 2 weeks before last frost and up to 2 weeks after last frost. Bolt resistant alternative to spinach.
Squash, SummerStart Indoors4-5Growing guide. Frost sensitive. Grows fast & large. Delay sowing if limited by indoor growing space. Recommend sowing in 3.5" pot or larger.
Squash, WinterStart Indoors4-5Growing guide. Frost sensitive. Grows fast & large. Delay sowing if limited by indoor growing space. Recommend sowing in 3.5" pot or larger.
PumpkinsStart Indoors4-5Growing guide. Frost sensitive. Grows fast & large. Delay sowing if limited by indoor growing space. Recommend sowing in 3.5" pot or larger.
ZucchiniStart Indoors4-5Frost sensitive. Grows fast & large. Delay sowing if limited by indoor growing space. Recommend sowing in 3.5" pot or larger.
Bok ChoyStart Indoors4-5Frost tolerant.
Chinese CabbageStart Indoors4-5Frost tolerant. More prone to cabbage worm than common cabbage. Watch crops carefully, especially when grown near other cabbage.
SpinachSow Indoors3-6Cold 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.
Chard, SwissStart Indoors3-5Cold hardy.
CucumberStart Indoors3-4Frost 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.
BeetsDirect sow0-2Cold Hardy.
CarrotDirect sow0-2Cold hardy.
Horseradish, Cutting & PlantDirect sow0-2Cold hardy. Can perennialize down to zone 3. Soak root cutting for 24 hours prior to planting. Nursery grown starts often available. Can be grown from seed, but low germination rates tend to make cuttings or finished starts more favorable & successful.
Mustard, Chinese Bald HeadDirect sow0-2Cold hardy.
Onion, SetDirect sow0-2Growing guide. 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.
ParsnipDirect sow0-2Cold hardy.
PeasDirect sow0-2Frost tolerant.
PotatoesDirect sow0-2Growing guide. Cold hardy.
RadishDirect sow0-2Frost tolerant. Also heat sensitive. Does well mid-to-late May up to late June. A late season crop can be achieved by planting early-to-mid August up to hard frost.
RutabagaDirect sow0-2Cold hardy.
StrawberryDirect sow, bare root0-2Cold 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.
TurnipDirect Sow0-2Cold hardy.
Beans, BushDirect sow+0-2Sow when frost danger has passed. You can also sow indoors, 3 weeks to last frost and transplant outdoors after danger of frost.
Beans, PoleDirect sow+0-2Sow when frost danger has passed. You can also sow indoors, 3 weeks to last frost and transplant outdoors after danger of frost.

Flower Planting Schedule For Interior Alaska

Vegetable schedule | Date Schedule

Flowers:Method:Weeks To Last Frost:Notes:
GeraniumStart Indoors12Can be overwintered indoors.
Begonia, TubersStart Indoors11-12Can be overwintered indoors. If harvesting tubers, do so before first frost.
Begonia, WaxStart Indoors11-12Can be overwintered indoors. If harvesting tubers, do so before first frost.
Datura (Devil or Angel Trumpet)Start Indoors10-12Warning, highly poisonous!
Digitalis (Foxglove)Start Indoors10-12Can perennialize down to zone 3. We've experienced troubles in zone 3, not so sure.
EucalyptusStart Indoors10-12
HeliotropeStart Indoors10-12Warning, poisonous! Can take up to 30-40 days to germinate. Sometimes called "Cherry Pie".
HollyhockStart Indoors10-12Biennial, supposedly to zone 2. We've never been successful, even in zone 3. Can grow as an annual.
LavenderStart Indoors10-12Not recommended below zone 5a, but can overwinter in containers in colder zones. First year blooms are usually unremarkable. Cold stratification for 3-6 weeks in fridge advised. Light required for germination.
VincaStart Indoors10-12
RhodochitonStart Indoors10-11
SalviaStart Indoors10-11
PortulacaStart Indoors10
RanunculusStart Indoors10
Daisy, ShastaStart Indoors9-10
Dusty MillerStart Indoors9-10
LobeliaStart Indoors9-10
ColeusStart Indoors8-10
DelphiniumStart Indoors8-10Cold stratification recommended. Can perennialize down to zone 3.
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)Start Indoors8-10Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended. Can also direct sow in fall.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)Start Indoors8-10Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 3.
PetuniaStart Indoors8-10
Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks)Start Indoors8-10Can perennialize to zone 3. Requires light to germinate, sometimes cold stratification. Likes sandy seedling mixes.
Althea ZebiumStart Indoors9
LupineStart Indoors9Cold hardy. Can perennialize down to zone 3.
GazaniaStart Indoors9
NemesiaStart Indoors8-9
PansyStart Indoors8-9Technically, Pansy & Viola are the same thing, but we've accidentally forgotten to plant one or the other despite knowing this!
ViolaStart Indoors8-9Technically, Pansy & Viola are the same thing, but we've accidentally forgotten to plant one or the other despite knowing this!
AsperulaStart Indoors8
Impatiens (Balsam, Touch-Me-Not)Start Indoors8
KochiaStart Indoors8
MalopeStart Indoors8
Milkweed, ButterflyStart Indoors8Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended.
Milkweed, SwampStart Indoors8Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended.
Milkweed, ShowyStart Indoors8Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended.
StaticeStart Indoors8
Sweet WilliamStart Indoors8
Bells of IrelandStart Indoors7-8
CalendulaStart Indoors7-8
CannabisStart Indoors7-8Warning, known narcotic, AKA "weed." Sensitive to photoperiodism and will not flower properly at extreme northern latitudes. Sativa dominant varieties should be sown ~12 weeks to last frost, whereas Indica dominant varieties can follow this schedule. Greenhouse recommended. Use blackout cover to provide ~12 hours of darkness during flowering period, if possible. To avoid these complications from photoperiodism, autoflowering strains are a viable alternative and are generally recommended in northern growing applications. Recommend staying within Alaska plant count guidelines, or guidelines appropriate for your location.
CosmosStart Indoors7-8
Daisy, EnglishStart Indoors7-8
DianthusStart Indoors7-8Frost tolerant. Carnation is a common variety in this genus. Early seeding allows flowering as annual. Some dianthus varieties can perennialize down to zone 3.
FeverfewStart Indoors7-8Some varieties are called Chrysanthemum, which are edible (herb-like) Feverfew.
LychnisStart Indoors7-8Can perennialize down to zone 3.
MallowStart Indoors7-8
MalvaStart Indoors7-8
NicotianaStart Indoors7-8Caution, mildly toxic. Technically a tobacco plant, but often grown for flowers.
NigellaStart Indoors7-8Also called Love In A Mist. Can be planted up to 6 weeks before last frost for late season blooms.
SnapdragonStart Indoors7-8
Straw FlowersStart Indoors7-8
VerbenaStart Indoors7-8
ArtemisiaStart Indoors6-8Many varieties. Check seed packet for specific instructions. Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 3.
Balloon FlowerStart Indoors6-8Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 3.
Canterbury Bells (Cups & Saucers)Start Indoors6-8Requires light to germinate. Hardy and biennial to zone 5.
CoreopsisStart Indoors6-8
Daisy, LivingstoneStart Indoors6-8Also known as Dorotheanthus Bellidiformis.
Craspedia (Drumstick Flower)Start Indoors6-8
Four O'Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa)Start Indoors6-8Soak seeds overnight for best results. Can be treated like a Dahlia by digging up and replanting tuber between seasons.
GomphrenaStart Indoors6-8
Ornamental GrassStart Indoors6-8Timeframe would cover most ornamental grasses. Double check seed packet for variety specific instructions.
Sanvitalia (Creeping Zinnia)Start Indoors6-8
StockStart Indoors6-8
Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare)Start Indoors6-8Can 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 Indoors6-8
Vera (English) LavenderStart Indoors6-8
AsterStart Indoors6-7Worth considering 8-9 weeks before last frost, since most are 100 day blooms.
Chinese LanternStart Indoors6-7Warning, invasive & poisonous! Requires light to germinate. Can perennialize down to zone 3.
Dahlia TubersStart Indoors6-7Dahlia can be maintained as a subarctic perennial by digging up the tubers and replanting every year.
Dahlia, SeedStart Indoors6-7Seeded dahlias can be genetically unstable. Tubers provide better, more stable results for specific varieties. From seed allows you to select for preferred genetics.
Daisy, AfricanStart Indoors6-7
Gladiola CormsStart Indoors6-7
GodetiaStart Indoors6-7
Lace Flower (Trachymene coerulea)Start Indoors6-7Does not transplant well. But, due to 100 day blooming, must be sowed indoors. Expect blooms 12-14 weeks after sowing.
LayiaStart Indoors6-7
PhloxStart Indoors6-7Frost tolerant.
Schizanthus (Butterfly Flower)Start Indoors6-7
Honeywort (Cerinthe)Start Indoors6Soak seeds overnight for best results.
LavateraStart Indoors6
LinariaStart Indoors6
MarigoldStart Indoors6
Poppy, OrientalStart Indoors6
Poppy, TypicalStart Indoors6
Wallflower, SiberianStart Indoors6Can perennialize down to zone 3. Biennial.
AgastacheStart Indoors5-6Sometimes called Korean mint, hyssop or Texas Hummingbird Mint. Some (rare) varieties can perennialize to zones 3 and 4, most are 5+.
Ageratum (Floss Flower)Start Indoors5-6
Alaska Cut MixStart Indoors5-6Common mix found in Alaska nurseries
Baby's BreathStart Indoors5-6
Butterfly PeaStart Indoors5-6Scarify seeds, then soak overnight prior to planting. Needs trellis.
Candy TuftStart Indoors5-6
ClarkiaStart Indoors5-6
Gilia GlobeStart Indoors5-6Drought tolerant. Pollinator attractor.
IceplantStart Indoors5-6Some varieties can perennialize down to zone 4. Check seed packet for specific instructions.
LarkspurStart Indoors5-6Warning, poisonous! Follow seed packet instructions. Doesn't germinate above 55F.
Morning GloryStart Indoors5-6
PrimroseStart Indoors5-6Cold stratify seeds for 2-4 weeks. Needs light to germinate.
RudbeckiaStart Indoors5-6
SalpiglossisStart Indoors5-6
Scabiosa (Pincushion)Start Indoors5-6Cold stratify seeds for 2 weeks for improved germination.
Sweet PeaStart Indoors5-6Frost tolerant. Needs trellis.
UrsiniaStart Indoors5-6
YarrowStart Indoors5-6Can perennialize down to zone 3. Growing color yarrow can influence the color of (commonly white) wild yarrow.
ZinniaStart Indoors5-6
Agrostemma (Corn Cockle)Start Indoors4-5Some varieties are planted earlier. Check your seed packet for variety specific instructions.
AmaranthStart Indoors4-5Love Lies Bleeding is a popular garden Amaranth.
CelosiaStart Indoors4-5
CockscombStart Indoors4-5
ColumbineStart Indoors4-5Toxic to humans & pets. Requires soil temps between 45F-60F for germination.
ElecampaneStart Indoors4-5Requires light to germinate. Can perrenialize to zone 3. Alternate names include Inula, British Yellowhead, Irish Fleabane, Marchalan, and Horseheal.
NasturtiumStart Indoors4-5Can also be direct sowed 1-2 weeks before last frost. For very early blooms, can be started up to 8 weeks before last frost.
SunflowerStart Indoors4
Centaurea (Bachelor Buttons)Start Indoors3-5Early planting, early blooms. Can also be direct sowed at last frost
Canary Bird VineStart Indoors3-4
Lion's Ear (Klip Dagga)Start Indoors3-4Warning, 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 indoors3-4Can perennialize down to zone 3. Stratification of seeds in freezer for 30 days recommended. Roots and leaves are edible.
MignoetteStart Indoors3-4
NemophilaStart Indoors3-4
Poppy, CaliforniaDirect Sow3-4Can also direct sow after last frost.
Alyssum, SweetStart Indoors3-4
Forget Me NotStart Indoors3-4The Alaska State flower! Can also be direct sowed around last frost.

That’s All We Wrote!

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2 comments… add one
  • Mary Spain Apr 27, 2023 @ 18:04

    This is exactly what I have been looking for! I live in Juneau and over the last couple of years I have taken a fancy to gardening. When I first started I thought it was just as simple as planting any type of seeds in the ground and (poof) it would grow. Which a lot of things did grow at first but come the middle of September when it started getting cold and my carrots were the size of a barbie carrot or my pea plant only had 10 peas the whole season I quickly realized that there was a lot more to it than that. Now I am also a single mom so as much as I love getting my hands dirty in the garden I simply don’t have the time to learn when I should plant what and it’s been a chore trying to find that info-rmation out for my area. That is, until I found this site and your guide for planting. Thank you so much for doing all this work so someone like me can simply go right to getting her hands dirty. Happy growing season!!

    • Jeff Apr 27, 2023 @ 18:39

      Glad you found us, Mary! We’ve got a ton of information and it continues to grow every year! Our goal is exactly that, to help other growers “short circuit” the learning process as much as possible! We also post a ton of helpful information to our Facebook page, but if you’re not on there, we’ve started replicating all those posts to our “Blog” section. Thanks for checking us out and we hope you continue to enjoy our content!

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