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When to Plant Horseradish in Kodiak Island Borough, AK

Horseradish is a vigorous perennial grown for its pungent, spicy roots used as a condiment. Once established, it can be difficult to eradicate, so choose its location carefully.

Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Kodiak Island Borough receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Horseradish to ensure they mature before fall.

Kodiak Island Borough, AK (Zone 6a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
139 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Kodiak Island Borough Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Sep 19 – Nov 28
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Sep 30 – Dec 9
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 8 🍅 Harvest: Oct 12 – Dec 21

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
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Horseradish needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Horseradish Planting Timeline โ€” Kodiak Island Borough, AK

Horseradish Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 10
Harvest September 30 Sep 30 โ€“ Dec 9

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

139 days

Growing Tips for Kodiak Island Borough

Plant root cuttings at a 45-degree angle in early spring. Harvest roots in late fall for strongest flavor. Contain the plant with barriers or grow in large containers.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Horseradish in Kodiak Island Borough, AK?

Kodiak Island Borough is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Horseradish planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kodiak Island Borough, AK?

Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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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 Kodiak Island Borough, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.