When to Plant Torch Lilys in Anchorage, AK

The USDA Zone info is a great tool for gardeners to help us estimate your gardening schedule. The most important data that the zone info tells us is average last frost and the lowest expected temperature for your area.

A way of estimating when to plant torch lilys is to check out the USDA zone info for Anchorage.


Planting Calendar for Torch Lilys

Frost tolerance for torch lilys: Very tolerant of frost.
When to plant: Up to 7 weeks before last frost.

Since torch lilys are very cold tolerant you can plant them a lot earlier in the year than other frost tender plants.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Legend 
A good time to plant torch lilys
Possibly ok, but a risky time to plant torch lilys
Probably not a good time to plant torch lilys

The earliest that you can plant torch lilys in Anchorage is March. However, you really should wait until April if you don't want to take any chances.

The last month that you can plant torch lilys and expect a good harvest is probably August. If you wait any later than that and your torch lilys may not have a chance to really do well. You can get started a few weeks earlier by starting your torch lilys indoors.

Last Frost Date

The average date of last frost is May 15 in Anchorage. It might get as low as -25°F during the coldest months of winter.

Remember that USDA zone info for Anchorage is just an average and the actual date of last frost will vary from year to year. Half of the time in Anchorage there is a last frost after May 15 so always be ready to protect your torch lilys if you have a surprise late frost.

USDA Zone Info for Anchorage

Here is the info for USDA Zone 4b.

Average Date of Last Frost (spring)May 15
Average Date of First Frost (fall)September 15
Lowest Expected Low-25°F
Highest Expected Low-20°F

This means that on a really cold year, the coldest it will get is -25°F. On most years you should be prepared to experience lows near -20°F.

Plants to Grow in Anchorage

You may be interested in your other planting guides for Anchorage.