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When to Plant Echinacea in Haines Borough, AK

Echinacea (purple coneflower) is a native prairie perennial valued for its immune-supporting properties and beautiful daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators.

Haines Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 1,921 feet, Haines Borough receives approximately 57.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 68ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Echinacea to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Echinacea root diseases.

Haines Borough, AK (Zone 6a) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 7
145 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Haines Borough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Sep 8 – Nov 17
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Sep 17 – Nov 26
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Oct 8 – Dec 17

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.7″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Echinacea needs ~150 GDD — county provides 145 GDD Tight fit

Echinacea Planting Timeline โ€” Haines Borough, AK

Echinacea Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 โ€“ May 28
Harvest September 17 Sep 17 โ€“ Nov 26

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

145 days

Growing Tips for Haines Borough

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or direct sow in fall for spring germination. Seeds need cold stratification. Deadhead to prolong blooming or leave seed heads for birds.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Echinacea in Haines Borough, AK?

Haines Borough is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 7. Plan your Echinacea planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Haines Borough, AK?

Haines Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 7 and first fall frost is September 29.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Haines Borough gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Haines Borough, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.