When to plant winter squash / pumpkin in Anchorage
Winter squash / Pumpkin is frost-tender, so every date keys off Anchorage's last spring frost of Apr 30.
Step 1 · Sow
Start seeds indoors
Apr 17 – May 8
Before your last frost, on a warm windowsill or heat mat.
Step 2 · Plant
Transplant outdoors
Jul 13 – Aug 3
Once frost risk has passed and nights stay mild.
Step 3 · Harvest
Harvest window
Oct 6 – Nov 10
Picking runs until conditions turn against the crop.
Window
Days to maturity
85 – 120 d
Anchorage's 148-day season leaves this much room.
Winter squash / Pumpkin on Anchorage's growing year
Frost-bounded season with crops mapped onto the 12-month axis.
Frost risk Growing Harvest
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
FROST
FROST
HARVEST
APR 30
SEP 26
Common questions
When can I sow winter squash / pumpkin outdoors in Anchorage?
Direct-sow around mid July (Jul 13–Aug 3) in Anchorage, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
When will winter squash / pumpkin be ready to harvest in Anchorage?
Expect to harvest from around early October (Oct 6–Nov 10) in Anchorage, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 76%.
When should I start winter squash / pumpkin seeds indoors in Anchorage?
Start seeds indoors around mid April (Apr 17–May 8) in Anchorage, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 81%.
When can I transplant winter squash / pumpkin outdoors in Anchorage?
Transplant outdoors around mid July (Jul 13–Aug 3) in Anchorage, based on its local frost dates. Confidence 82%.
How long is the growing season in Anchorage?
Anchorage has roughly 148 frost-free days, which is enough time to grow winter squash / pumpkin to maturity outdoors.
The rule of thumb
Sow winter squash / pumpkin 6–8 weeks before your last spring frost; plant out 2–3 weeks after it. Every date on this page is derived from that rule and Anchorage's frost dates.
Confidence 85/100 · Curated · based on NOAA GHCN-Daily 1991–2020 normal · frost dates are probabilities, not guarantees.