Growing potatoes in Alaska can be a tough experience depending on where in the state you are, but potatoes are a hardy crop and can survive in low temperatures and short growing seasons. While some gardeners may be apprehensive about growing potatoes in the cold, the key to success in Alaska is to start early.
Potatoes should be planted in early spring when temperatures are still cool but are beginning to rise. Since the growing season is relatively short in Alaska, potatoes should be planted in soil that is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Potatoes should also be watered regularly and fertilized throughout the growing season. With proper care, potatoes can be a successful and delicious addition to any Alaskan garden.
Alaska’s Hardiness Zones And Climate
Alaska’s climate varies greatly depending on which growing zone you’re in. Zone 1a is the coldest and highest of the growing zones in Alaska. This zone is characterized by short summers and very cold winters, with temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit. The growing season is very short, usually only lasting a few weeks in late summer.
Zone 2a is slightly warmer than Zone 1a, with temperatures reaching as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Summers are still short, but the growing season is slightly longer than in Zone 1a.
Zone 3a has temperatures reaching as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Summers are still short, but the growing season is slightly longer than in Zone 2a.
Zone 4a is the warmest of the growing zones in Alaska and has the longest growing season. Temperatures range from -30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Hardiness Zones 5 Through 8 For Potatoes In Alaska
The temperatures become cooler from Zone 5 with temperatures ranging from -20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
It continuously becomes cooler Zone 6a has temperatures ranging from -10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 20 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Zone 7a has temperatures ranging from -0 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 10 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Zone 8b is the coolest of the growing zones in Alaska, with temperatures ranging from 0 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and from 0 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The growing season is very short, usually only lasting a few weeks in late summer.
Different varieties of seed potatoes
When selecting seed potatoes for growing in Alaska, it is important to be mindful of the variety’s days to harvest and the length of time you have before you want to harvest them.
Early-season varieties such as ‘Yukon Gold’ and ‘Red Norland’ have fewer days to harvest and should be planted as soon as possible for harvesting in late summer.
Mid-season varieties such as ‘Russet Burbank’ and ‘Kennebec’ have more days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in fall.
Late-season varieties such as ‘Cara Russet’ and ‘All Blue’ have the most days to harvest and should be planted in late April or early May for harvesting in early winter. Be sure to select varieties with the right number of days to harvest for your intended harvest date. Some good potato varieties for Alaska include:
- Russet Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 90-110 days
- Red Potatoes: 80-90 days
- Purple Potatoes: 90-110 days
- Fingerling Potatoes: 90-120 days
- Sweet Potatoes: 90-120 days
- White Potatoes: 90-100 days
- All-Blue Potatoes: 95-105 days
- Yellow Finn Potatoes: 85-95 days
- Kennebec Potatoes: 85-95 days
When To Plant Potatoes In Alaska
The best time to plant potatoes in Alaska is in late May or early June. Planting potatoes in Alaska is usually done as soon as the soil is warm enough and can be worked. Planting potatoes too early can result in poor yields due to cold temperatures. Potatoes should be planted by the end of May in order to ensure a good harvest.
- Zone 1: Around May 21st
- Zone 2: Around May 8th
- Zone 3: Around May 1st
- Zone 4: Around April 30th
- Zone 5: Around April 15th
- Zone 6: Around April 7th
- Zone 7: Around March 24th
- Zone 8: Around March 14th
How To Plant Potatoes In Alaska
Begin the planting process for seed potatoes by tilling the soil to a depth of 8 inches and incorporating organic compost. Once you have done this, find a sunny location that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight and place the seed potatoes.
Plant the seed potatoes with the “eyes” facing upward, leaving a distance of 8 to 10 inches in between each. Cover the seed potatoes with a layer of soil that is 3-4 inches thick, and make sure to water them adequately. As the potatoes start to sprout, add more soil to the rows to keep them adequately buried.
Water the potatoes on a regular basis and remove any weeds from the area. For those living in hot and dry climates, you may want to cover the soil around the potatoes with straw, although this is not essential.
Caring For Potato Plants
Caring for potato plants is pretty easy – they’re incredibly hardy and generally no-fuss. Potato plants need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They should be watered deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing is also important for optimal growth. Potato plants need a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This should be applied every four to six weeks, depending on the soil’s nutrient content.
It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist, as potatoes do not tolerate dry or waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the potato plants can help retain moisture and reduce weeds.
When To Harvest Potatoes In Alaska
There are two sure ways to know your potatoes are about ready to harvest! The first is counting backward from your current date to their planting date. Potato varieties have an approximate number of days to harvest, so consult the days to harvest for the particular variety of potatoes you’ve planted. If you aren’t sure, assume it’s around 100 days.
The appearance of your potato plants is another dead giveaway. You will know your potatoes are ready to harvest when the foliage begins to turn yellow and die back. Your plants will go through an entire flowering cycle, which is nice because the flowers are really beautiful.
Allow the soil around the plants to dry before harvesting, but don’t allow it to be dry for too long. Once harvested, inspect the potatoes carefully- they should be firm and free of green or soft spots.
Carefully dig up the potatoes with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the potatoes in the process. Once the potatoes have all been dug up, brush off any excess soil and inspect them for any damage. Discard any potatoes that are damaged, as these are not suitable for long-term storage.
Finally, gently place the potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark area for storage. It is important to only store undamaged potatoes, as damaged potatoes can quickly rot.