When to plant eggplant in Anchorage, Alaska

May 15 – May 29

Transplant outdoors · typical Anchorage year

Climate basis: NOAA station Anchorage Merrill Fld, AK (USW00026409), 0 mi (0 km) from downtown Anchorage (ZCTA 99501 centroid), elevation 138 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant eggplant outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 1). One year in ten still freezes after May 9.

Last spring freezeMay 11-in-10 after May 9
First fall freezeSeptember 291-in-10 before Sep 17
Frost-free season150 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 19Oct 8kills even hardy greens
USDA zone5a-20 to -15°F winter low not frost timing

The Anchorage year

Start seeds indoorsMar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant outdoorsMay 15 – May 29
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 9
Eggplant in Anchorage · freeze context from Anchorage Merrill Fld, AK, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 6 – Mar 20

Sow 8–10 weeks before the transplant window opens (UNH 8–10 weeks; Missouri G6570 6–8 weeks). Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 1). University of New Hampshire Extension · University of Missouri Extension

Transplant outdoors

May 15 – May 29

UNH: set out 2–3 weeks after the last frost; Purdue: very tender — at least two weeks after. Span extended to 14 days. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 1). University of New Hampshire Extension · Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 65–80 days from transplant).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (3)

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