When to plant sweet potatoes in Alaska

Sweet potatoes
Plant out in Anchorage
Jun 6–Jun 20

Across Alaska the window opens between May 24 and June 6. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Plant out, Anchorage
Jun 6–Jun 20
Last frost, Anchorage
May 16

Plant out 3–5 weeks after the last frost. Set out slips when the soil is warm, around 65°F. They need a long, hot season.

Sweet potatoes planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
AnchorageJun 6–Jun 20
JuneauMay 24–Jun 7
FairbanksJun 6–Jun 20

In Anchorage, Fairbanks the frost-free season is shorter than sweet potatoes need. Start plants indoors and pick early varieties.

Questions

When should I plant sweet potatoes in Alaska?

In Anchorage, plant out from June 6 to June 20. Across Alaska the window opens between May 24 and June 6, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Plant out 3–5 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 sweet potatoes everywhere in Alaska?

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

More for Alaska

Sweet potatoes in other states

Frost dates for every city in Alaska