Skip to content

What Can Grow in Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks has a true subarctic climate but 21+ hours of summer daylight enable rapid vegetable growth in its short season.

Fairbanks, AK is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The growing season lasts about 90 days, with last frost around May 25 and first fall frost around August 20. Top crops include kale, radishes, lettuce.

2aUSDA Zone
90 daysFrost-Free
May 25Last Frost
August 20First Frost
🌱 What Grows in Fairbanks
kaleradisheslettucespinachpeasbeets
πŸ’‘ Planting Tips

Use hoop houses and row covers. Focus on fastest-maturing varieties. Raised beds warm faster.

🌱
Shop seeds matched to your zone Burpee, Park Seed, and more β€” curated for your growing conditions.
Shop Seeds β†’
πŸ”— More Resources
πŸ“ Full Zone 2a Guide 🌎 Alaska Planting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairbanks, AK is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 2a. Fairbanks has a true subarctic climate but 21+ hours of summer daylight enable rapid vegetable growth in its short season.

The average last spring frost in Fairbanks is around May 25. The first fall frost typically arrives around August 20, giving a frost-free growing season of approximately 90 days.

Fairbanks's Zone 2a climate supports growing kale, radishes, lettuce, spinach, peas, beets. Use hoop houses and row covers. Focus on fastest-maturing varieties. Raised beds warm faster.

In Fairbanks, start with cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and broccoli a few weeks before the last frost date of May 25. Warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers should go in after all frost risk has passed.