What to plant in April in Alaska
In Alaska (AK), April sits about 5 weeks before the average last frost (May 17). The state averages 119 frost-free days a year (last frost May 17, first frost September 13; USDA zones 1a, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b).
65 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet - and 11 of those windows close during April.
Dates here come from Alaska frost dates (last frost May 17, first frost Sep 13). For one crop in detail, see when to plant pea, spinach or arugula in Alaska.
Alaska covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Alaska: planting activity through the year
Last chance in April
Ground Cherry (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Lemon Balm (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Shiso (Perilla) (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Sweet Marjoram (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Tomatillo (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Tomato (start seeds indoors, by Apr 5) · Broccoli (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Brussels Sprouts (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Cabbage (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Cauliflower (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12) · Kale (start seeds indoors, by Apr 12)
Sow or plant outdoors in April (56)
Direct sowing and transplanting windows that fall in April, most urgent first. Windows are one-to-two-week bands around the ideal date.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mache (Corn Salad) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Pea | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Spinach | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 7 – Apr 26 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 12 – Apr 29 | Apr 12 – Apr 29 |
| Arugula | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Beet | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Fava Bean (Broad Bean) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Green Onion / Scallion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Mizuna | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Onion | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Radish | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Shallot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Tatsoi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 14 – May 3 | Opens Apr 14 |
| Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Collard Greens | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Horseradish | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Kale | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Kohlrabi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Onion | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Rhubarb | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Shallot | Transplant outdoors | Apr 19 – May 6 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Carrot | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Chervil | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Endive & Escarole | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Kohlrabi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Lettuce | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Mustard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Rapini (Broccoli Raab) | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Turnip | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Watercress | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 21 – May 10 | Opens Apr 21 |
| Asparagus | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Broccoli | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Cauliflower | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Chives | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Endive & Escarole | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Leek | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Lettuce | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Napa Cabbage | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Parsley | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Radicchio | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Sorrel | Plant crowns / divisions | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Swiss Chard | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Watercress | Transplant outdoors | Apr 26 – May 13 | Opens Apr 26 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Borage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Cilantro / Coriander | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Collard Greens | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Kale | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Leek | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Napa Cabbage | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Parsley | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Potato | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Radicchio | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
| Salsify | Direct sow (spring) | Apr 28 – May 17 | Opens Apr 28 |
Start seeds indoors in April (37)
Indoor sowings for transplants later. Six to eight weeks under lights is typical for tomatoes and peppers; onions and leeks need longer.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Cherry | Start seeds indoors | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Lemon Balm | Start seeds indoors | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Shiso (Perilla) | Start seeds indoors | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Sweet Marjoram | Start seeds indoors | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Tomatillo | Start seeds indoors | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Tomato | Start seeds indoors | Mar 22 – Apr 5 | Last chance - ends Apr 5 |
| Broccoli | Start seeds indoors | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Start seeds indoors | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Cauliflower | Start seeds indoors | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Kale | Start seeds indoors | Mar 29 – Apr 12 | Last chance - ends Apr 12 |
| Basil | Start seeds indoors | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Collard Greens | Start seeds indoors | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Endive & Escarole | Start seeds indoors | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Kohlrabi | Start seeds indoors | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Malabar Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Okra | Start seeds indoors | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Radicchio | Start seeds indoors | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Summer Savory | Start seeds indoors | Apr 5 – Apr 19 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Bitter Melon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Cucamelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Lettuce | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Luffa (Loofah Gourd) | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Napa Cabbage | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Peanut | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Swiss Chard | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Watercress | Start seeds indoors | Apr 12 – Apr 26 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Cantaloupe / Muskmelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Cucumber | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Pumpkin | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Sunflower | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Watermelon | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Winter Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Opens Apr 19 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Start seeds indoors | Apr 19 – May 3 | Opens Apr 19 |
Planting dates for popular crops in Alaska
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Alaska: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Seed-starting season: April garden jobs in Alaska
- Start 37 crops indoors this month, including ground cherry, lemon balm, shiso (perilla), sweet marjoram. Use a sterile mix and good light - see starting seeds indoors.
- 5 weeks until the average last frost (May 17). The seed-starting calculator works out each crop's exact sowing date from it.
- Keep seedlings from stretching: lights 2-3 inches above the leaves for 14-16 hours a day, and a fan or a daily brush of the hand across the tops.
- Prepare beds as soon as the soil crumbles instead of smearing when squeezed - working wet soil ruins its structure for the season.
USDA zone chart for Alaska
Alaska spans USDA zones 1a, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Alaska in April?
65 crops have a window in April: mache (corn salad), pea, spinach, green onion / scallion, arugula, beet, fava bean (broad bean), mizuna, onion, radish and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Alaska in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Mar 22 – Apr 5 in Alaska, so do it before April 5.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Alaska in April?
No - start seeds indoors runs Apr 12 – Apr 26 in Alaska, so do it before April 26.
When is the first frost in Alaska?
The statewide average first fall frost is around September 13 and the last spring frost around May 17. Alaska covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What should I start indoors in April in Alaska?
Ground Cherry (Mar 22 – Apr 5), Lemon Balm (Mar 22 – Apr 5), Shiso (Perilla) (Mar 22 – Apr 5), Sweet Marjoram (Mar 22 – Apr 5), Tomatillo (Mar 22 – Apr 5), Tomato (Mar 22 – Apr 5), Broccoli (Mar 29 – Apr 12), Brussels Sprouts (Mar 29 – Apr 12), Cabbage (Mar 29 – Apr 12), Cauliflower (Mar 29 – Apr 12), Kale (Mar 29 – Apr 12), Basil (Apr 5 – Apr 19), Collard Greens (Apr 5 – Apr 19), Endive & Escarole (Apr 5 – Apr 19), Kohlrabi (Apr 5 – Apr 19), Malabar Spinach (Apr 5 – Apr 19), Okra (Apr 5 – Apr 19), Radicchio (Apr 5 – Apr 19), Summer Savory (Apr 5 – Apr 19), Bitter Melon (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Bok Choy / Pak Choi (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Cucamelon (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Fennel (Bulb) (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Lettuce (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Luffa (Loofah Gourd) (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Napa Cabbage (Apr 12 – Apr 26), New Zealand Spinach (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Peanut (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Swiss Chard (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Watercress (Apr 12 – Apr 26), Cantaloupe / Muskmelon (Apr 19 – May 3), Cucumber (Apr 19 – May 3), Pumpkin (Apr 19 – May 3), Sunflower (Apr 19 – May 3), Watermelon (Apr 19 – May 3), Winter Squash (Apr 19 – May 3), Zucchini / Summer Squash (Apr 19 – May 3).
What to plant in April in other states
Dates are computed from Alaska’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.