When to plant basil in Alaska

Basil
Plant out in Anchorage
May 23–Jun 6

Across Alaska the window opens between May 10 and May 23. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Anchorage
Apr 4–Apr 18
Plant out, Anchorage
May 23–Jun 6
Sow outdoors, Anchorage
May 23–Jun 6
Last sowing for a harvest
Jun 23
Last frost, Anchorage
May 16

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost; plant out 1–3 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 1–3 weeks after the last frost. Basil blackens below 50°F. Wait a week or two after the last frost.

Basil planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
AnchorageMay 23–Jun 6
JuneauMay 10–May 24
FairbanksMay 23–Jun 6

Questions

When should I plant basil in Alaska?

In Anchorage, plant out from May 23 to June 6. Across Alaska the window opens between May 10 and May 23, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost; plant out 1–3 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 1–3 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

More for Alaska

Basil in other states

Frost dates for every city in Alaska