When to Plant Roses in Alaska

Roses (Rosa spp.) are the world's most beloved flowering shrubs, grown for centuries for their exquisite blooms, fragrance, and versatility. Modern repeat-blooming cultivars deliver continuous color from late spring through the first hard frost, while old garden roses typically offer a single magnificent spring flush. Hardy shrub roses such as the Knock Out® and Canadian Explorer series tolerate Zone 3–4 winters without protection. With correct siting (6+ hours of sun, good air circulation), disease- resistant varieties thrive with moderate maintenance.

Alaska spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Roses planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Roses Planting Calendar for Alaska

▸ Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 15	Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors	May 24	May 24 – Jun 7
Bloom	August 16	Aug 16 – Oct 18

▸ Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 18	Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors	May 20	May 20 – Jun 3
Bloom	August 12	Aug 12 – Oct 21

▸ Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 13	Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors	May 15	May 15 – May 29
Bloom	August 7	Aug 7 – Oct 23

▸ Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 14	Feb 14 – Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors	May 9	May 9 – May 23
Bloom	July 25	Jul 25 – Oct 24

▸ Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 7	Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors	May 2	May 2 – May 16
Bloom	July 18	Jul 18 – Oct 24

▸ Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 23	Jan 23 – Feb 6
Transplant Outdoors	April 10	Apr 10 – Apr 24
Bloom	June 19	Jun 19 – Oct 16

▸ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 14	Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Outdoors	April 1	Apr 1 – Apr 15
Bloom	June 10	Jun 10 – Oct 14

▸ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 7	Jan 7 – Jan 21
Transplant Outdoors	March 18	Mar 18 – Apr 1
Bloom	May 27	May 27 – Oct 7

▸ Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 4	Jan 4 – Jan 18
Transplant Outdoors	March 8	Mar 8 – Mar 22
Bloom	May 17	May 17 – Oct 4

Growing Tips for Alaska

Plant bare-root roses in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or set container-grown plants from spring through early fall. Dig a wide, deep hole; amend with compost and a handful of bone meal. Set the graft union 1–2 inches below soil level in Zones 3–6 for winter protection, at soil level in Zones 7+. Water deeply twice weekly until established. Fertilize with a balanced rose food every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Prune hybrid teas and grandifloras to outward-facing buds in early spring when forsythia blooms. Deadhead to encourage repeat bloom. Fall planting (Zones 5+) can improve establishment in subsequent years. Year 2+ plants deliver the fullest bloom display.

Roses in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Roses in Alaska?

Planting dates for Roses in Alaska depend on your USDA zone. Alaska spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Alaska for planting?

Alaska contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

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