Best Tomatoes To Grow In Alaska

Growing tomatoes in Alaska requires choosing short-season varieties that can mature quickly during the long daylight hours of summer. When you search for the best tomatoes to grow in alaska, you need varieties that handle cool nights and short frost-free periods. This guide covers top picks, planting tips, and care strategies for Alaskan gardeners.

Tomatoes are warmth-loving plants, but Alaska’s unique light conditions can actually help them grow faster. The key is selecting the right cultivars and using season-extending techniques. Let’s dive into what works best.

The best tomatoes to grow in alaska are determinate or semi-determinate varieties with short maturity dates, typically under 70 days. They should also be cold-tolerant and productive in cooler soil. Here are the top performers.

Sub-Arctic Plenty

This is a classic Alaskan tomato. It matures in just 45-50 days from transplanting. The fruits are small, red, and about 2 ounces each. They handle cool weather better than most. You can even start them indoors and move them out early.

Days to maturity: 45-50
Fruit size: 2 oz, red
Plant type: Determinate
Cold tolerance: Excellent

Glacier

Glacier tomatoes are bred for short seasons. They produce 2-3 ounce red fruits in about 55 days. The plants stay compact, making them ideal for containers or small gardens. They set fruit even in cooler temperatures.

Days to maturity: 55
Fruit size: 2-3 oz, red
Plant type: Determinate
Cold tolerance: Very good

Stupice

This heirloom from Czechoslovakia is a favorite in cold climates. It matures in 55-60 days and produces 2-4 ounce red fruits with excellent flavor. The plants are vigorous and produce over a long period. Stupice is one of the best tomatoes to grow in alaska for taste.

Days to maturity: 55-60
Fruit size: 2-4 oz, red
Plant type: Indeterminate
Cold tolerance: Good

Northern Lights

Developed specifically for Alaska, Northern Lights tomatoes are a reliable choice. They mature in about 60 days. The fruits are 3-4 ounces, red, and slightly flattened. The plants are determinate and bushy, perfect for windy areas.

Days to maturity: 60
Fruit size: 3-4 oz, red
Plant type: Determinate
Cold tolerance: Excellent

Early Girl

Early Girl is a well-known hybrid that works in Alaska. It matures in about 60 days. The fruits are 4-6 ounces, red, and flavorful. It’s an indeterminate variety, so you’ll need staking. It produces until frost.

Days to maturity: 60
Fruit size: 4-6 oz, red
Plant type: Indeterminate
Cold tolerance: Good

Oregon Spring

This variety is bred for cool coastal climates, similar to Alaska. It matures in 60-65 days. The fruits are 4-6 ounces, red, and meaty. It sets fruit without pollination in cool weather, which is a big plus.

Days to maturity: 60-65
Fruit size: 4-6 oz, red
Plant type: Determinate
Cold tolerance: Very good

Sun Gold

If you want cherry tomatoes, Sun Gold is a top pick. It matures in 65-70 days. The fruits are 1 ounce, orange-yellow, and extremely sweet. The plants are indeterminate and produce heavily. Use a greenhouse or warm microclimate for best results.

Days to maturity: 65-70
Fruit size: 1 oz, orange
Plant type: Indeterminate
Cold tolerance: Moderate

Bush Early Girl

This is a compact version of Early Girl. It matures in 60 days. The fruits are 4-5 ounces, red, and similar in flavor. The determinate habit means less staking. It’s great for small spaces and containers.

Days to maturity: 60
Fruit size: 4-5 oz, red
Plant type: Determinate
Cold tolerance: Good

How To Grow Tomatoes In Alaska Successfully

Growing tomatoes in Alaska is possible with the right techniques. You need to start seeds early, use season extenders, and choose the warmest spots. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Start Seeds Indoors

Begin seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. In most of Alaska, that means starting in late March or early April. Use a seed-starting mix and keep the soil warm, around 70-75°F. Provide strong light, either from a sunny window or grow lights.

Fill trays with moist seed-starting mix.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
Cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Place in a warm location (70-75°F).
Remove plastic once seedlings emerge.
Move to bright light immediately.

Harden Off Seedlings

Before transplanting outdoors, harden off your seedlings. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Start with a few hours in a sheltered spot, then increase time and sun exposure. This reduces transplant shock.

Choose The Right Location

Tomatoes need full sun, at least 8 hours daily. In Alaska, south-facing slopes or areas near buildings work well. Avoid low spots where cold air settles. Raised beds warm up faster and drain better. Use black plastic or landscape fabric to warm the soil.

Use Season Extenders

Alaska’s short season demands season extenders. Use row covers, cloches, or cold frames to protect plants from cold nights and wind. Wall O’ Water or similar products can add 2-4 weeks to your growing season. You can also use clear plastic tunnels.

Row covers: Lightweight fabric that traps heat.
Cloches: Individual covers for each plant.
Cold frames: Mini greenhouses for multiple plants.
Water walls: Plastic rings filled with water that absorb heat.

Plant At The Right Time

Transplant after the last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 60°F. In Anchorage, that’s usually late May to early June. In Fairbanks, it’s early June. In coastal areas, it may be mid-May. Always check your local frost dates.

Space Plants Properly

Determinate varieties need 2-3 feet between plants. Indeterminate varieties need 3-4 feet. Rows should be 4-5 feet apart. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation, which reduces disease. It also allows each plant to get enough light.

Water And Fertilize

Water deeply and consistently, about 1-2 inches per week. Avoid wetting the leaves to prevent blight. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to a low-nitrogen formula once fruits set. Too much nitrogen leads to lush leaves but few fruits.

Prune And Support

Indeterminate varieties need staking or caging. Prune suckers to keep plants manageable. Determinate varieties need less pruning but still benefit from support. Use tomato cages, stakes, or trellises. This keeps fruits off the ground and reduces rot.

Best Practices For Alaskan Tomato Growers

Alaskan gardeners have unique challenges. Here are additional tips to maximize your harvest. These practices help you get the most from your best tomatoes to grow in alaska.

Use Black Plastic Mulch

Black plastic warms the soil by several degrees. It also suppresses weeds and conserves moisture. Lay it down a week before transplanting. Cut slits for the plants. This simple step can speed up growth significantly.

Plant In Containers

Containers warm up faster than ground soil. Use large pots, at least 5 gallons, with drainage holes. Place them in the sunniest spot, like against a south-facing wall. You can move them indoors if frost threatens. This is great for renters or small spaces.

Grow In A Greenhouse

A greenhouse is the best way to grow tomatoes in Alaska. It extends the season by weeks or months. Even a simple hoop house works. Greenhouses protect from wind, cold, and pests. You can grow larger varieties like Beefsteak or Brandywine with a greenhouse.

Choose Early Maturing Varieties

Stick with varieties that mature in 70 days or less. This ensures you get ripe fruits before frost. Some Alaskan growers have success with 80-day varieties in greenhouses, but for outdoor growing, shorter is safer. Always check the days to maturity on seed packets.

Monitor For Pests And Diseases

Common pests in Alaska include aphids, whiteflies, and cutworms. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for aphids. Use collars around stems for cutworms. Diseases like blight and blossom end rot can occur. Water consistently and avoid wet foliage to prevent blight. Add calcium to prevent blossom end rot.

Harvest Before Frost

Watch the weather forecast. If frost is predicted, harvest all mature and nearly mature fruits. Green tomatoes can ripen indoors. Place them in a paper bag with a ripe banana to speed ripening. You can also make fried green tomatoes or green tomato salsa.

Top Tomato Varieties For Different Alaskan Regions

Alaska is large, with different climates. What works in Anchorage may not work in Fairbanks or Juneau. Here are region-specific recommendations.

Southcentral Alaska (Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley)

This region has a longer growing season, about 100-120 frost-free days. You can grow most short-season varieties. Try Sub-Arctic Plenty, Glacier, Stupice, and Early Girl. Use season extenders for extra warmth. Greenhouses work well here.

Sub-Arctic Plenty: 45 days
Glacier: 55 days
Stupice: 55-60 days
Early Girl: 60 days

Interior Alaska (Fairbanks, Denali)

This region has a shorter season, about 80-100 frost-free days. But summer days are very long, which helps growth. Choose the earliest varieties. Sub-Arctic Plenty, Glacier, and Northern Lights are top picks. Use black plastic and row covers. A greenhouse is highly recommended.

Sub-Arctic Plenty: 45 days
Glacier: 55 days
Northern Lights: 60 days
Oregon Spring: 60-65 days

Southeast Alaska (Juneau, Ketchikan)

This region has mild summers but lots of rain and clouds. Choose varieties that tolerate low light and cool temperatures. Stupice, Oregon Spring, and Sun Gold work well. Use raised beds for drainage. Consider a greenhouse to increase light and warmth.

Stupice: 55-60 days
Oregon Spring: 60-65 days
Sun Gold: 65-70 days
Glacier: 55 days

Western Alaska (Nome, Bethel)

This region has a very short season and cool summers. Only the earliest varieties will work. Sub-Arctic Plenty is the best bet. Use a greenhouse or cold frame. Start seeds indoors and use all possible season extenders. Expect a small harvest but it’s possible.

Sub-Arctic Plenty: 45 days
Glacier: 55 days
Northern Lights: 60 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Grow Tomatoes In Alaska Without A Greenhouse?

Yes, you can grow tomatoes outdoors in Alaska without a greenhouse. Choose short-season varieties like Sub-Arctic Plenty or Glacier. Use black plastic mulch, row covers, and warm microclimates. However, a greenhouse greatly increases your success and variety options.

What Is The Easiest Tomato To Grow In Alaska?

Sub-Arctic Plenty is the easiest tomato to grow in Alaska. It matures in just 45-50 days, handles cool weather, and requires minimal care. It’s determinate, so no staking is needed. It’s a reliable choice for beginners.

When Should I Plant Tomato Seeds In Alaska?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. For most of Alaska, that’s late March to early April. Transplant outdoors after the last frost, when soil is warm. In Anchorage, that’s late May. In Fairbanks, early June.

How Do I Ripen Green Tomatoes In Alaska?

Harvest green tomatoes before frost. Place them in a paper bag with a ripe apple or banana. The ethylene gas from the fruit speeds ripening. Keep the bag at room temperature, around 65-70°F. Check regularly and remove ripe ones. You can also use a cardboard box.

What Are The Best Cherry Tomatoes For Alaska?

Sun Gold is the best cherry tomato for Alaska, but it needs a greenhouse or warm spot. Other good cherry tomatoes include Sweet 100 (65 days), Juliet (60 days), and Matt’s Wild Cherry (60 days). These are small, sweet, and productive in short seasons.

Final Tips For Alaskan Tomato Success

Growing tomatoes in Alaska is rewarding but requires planning. Start with the best tomatoes to grow in alaska for your region. Use every tool available: season extenders, black plastic, and warm microclimates. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties each year.

Keep a garden journal to track what works. Note planting dates, weather, and harvest times. Over time, you’ll learn the best methods for your specific location. Join local gardening groups for advice tailored to your area. Alaskan gardeners are a supportive community.

Remember that even a small harvest is a victory. Fresh tomatoes from your own garden taste amazing, especially when you’ve worked for them. With the right varieties and techniques, you can enjoy homegrown tomatoes even in Alaska’s challenging climate. Happy growing!