Home › Ginger › Grow in Alaska

Can You Grow Ginger in Alaska?

US · USDA Zone 4b · zones 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b

Won't grow here

Ginger is tropical but grows beautifully as a container plant indoors with moderate light and warmth.

Plant zones

8a–12b

Alaska last frost

mid-April

Alaska first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

240–300 days

When to plant Gingers in Alaska

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Dec 10 – Feb 8

Dates are approximate, based on Alaska's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Ginger

Ginger is one of the most rewarding container crops — plant a grocery store rhizome in a pot and harvest fresh ginger in 8-10 months. Essential in Indian, Asian, and Caribbean cooking, and far more aromatic than the dried powder.

Start indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Soak a fresh ginger rhizome overnight, then plant 2-4 inches deep in rich potting mix. Prefers partial shade (unlike most edibles). Water consistently but do not waterlog. Harvest when foliage dies back in fall.

Full ginger growing guide →

Gardening in Alaska

Alaska ranges from subarctic to maritime climates. The interior has very short summers but intense sunlight. Coastal areas are milder. Cold-hardy crops and greenhouses are key.