When to Plant Cranberries in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK
Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 116 days.
At an elevation of 2,540 feet, Fairbanks North Star Borough receives approximately 29.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 69°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cranberries to ensure they mature before fall.
Fairbanks North Star Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
High — keep soil consistently moist
Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
Soil pH
4 – 5.5
USDA Zone
Zone 2a
Growing Season
116 days
Growing Tips for Fairbanks North Star Borough
Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?
Fairbanks North Star Borough is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK?
Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Fairbanks North Star Borough gardeners in Zone 2a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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