When to plant sunflowers in Alaska

Sow outdoors in Anchorage

May 16–Jun 6

Across Alaska the window opens between May 3 and May 16. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Sow outdoors up to 3 weeks after the last frost. Sow every two weeks until midsummer for flowers through fall.

Sunflowers planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

AnchorageMay 16–Jun 6

JuneauMay 3–May 24

FairbanksMay 16–Jun 6

In Fairbanks the frost-free season is shorter than sunflowers need. Start plants indoors and pick early varieties.

When should I plant sunflowers in Alaska?

In Anchorage, sow outdoors from May 16 to June 6. Across Alaska the window opens between May 3 and May 16, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Sow outdoors up to 3 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

Is the season long enough for sunflowers everywhere in Alaska?

Not quite. In Fairbanks the frost-free season is shorter than the time sunflowers need to ripen. Start plants indoors and pick an early variety.