Planting Dates for Alberta
Alberta's short growing season and variable weather require strategic planning. Southern Alberta benefits from chinook winds, while Edmonton and the north have shorter seasons.
Hardiness Zones 1a-4b • 90-130 frost-free days depending on location
Frost Dates in Alberta
Average last spring frost and first fall frost dates for Alberta cities. Use these to calculate your planting windows.
| City | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | May 23 | Sep 15 | 115 | 4a |
| Edmonton | May 7 | Sep 23 | 139 | 4a |
| Lethbridge | May 17 | Sep 20 | 126 | 4b |
| Red Deer | May 25 | Sep 9 | 107 | 3b |
City Planting Guides for Alberta
Detailed planting calendars for Alberta cities with month-by-month timing, local frost dates, and variety recommendations.
Gardening Tips for Alberta
- ✓Start warm-season crops indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost.
- ✓Chinook winds in southern Alberta can cause mid-winter thaws — protect perennials with deep mulch.
- ✓Hail is common in summer — consider hail netting for sensitive crops.
- ✓Choose varieties bred for short seasons: 55-65 day tomatoes, 50-day beans.
- ✓Calgary gardeners should wait until after the June long weekend to transplant warm crops — late frosts are common.
- ✓Use wall-o-water or hot caps to gain 2-3 weeks on the season for tomatoes and peppers.
- ✓Alberta's alkaline soils (pH 7.5-8.5) benefit from sulfur amendments for acid-loving crops like blueberries and potatoes.
Plan your Alberta garden
Get exact seed starting, transplant, and harvest dates for 50+ vegetables based on your Alberta frost dates — free.
Best Varieties for Alberta
Zone-specific variety recommendations for Alberta gardeners (Zones 1a-4b).
Choose 55-65 day tomato varieties like Early Girl, Glacier, or Siletz for reliable harvests in zones 2-3.
Norland and Yukon Gold potatoes are well-adapted to Alberta's alkaline soils and short season.
Try Manitoba-bred sweet corn like Early Sunglow (63 days) for the best chance of ripe cobs before frost.
Cold-hardy herbs like chives, thyme, and lovage overwinter reliably to zone 3 with snow cover.
Where to Buy Seeds in Alberta
Canadian seed companies that ship to Alberta, ordered by proximity. Support local growers and get varieties suited to your climate.
Alberta-grown certified seed potatoes with over 40 varieties suited to Prairie growing conditions.
Prairie-focused seed company offering short-season varieties tested for Western Canadian gardens.
Extensive catalogue with many short-season varieties that perform well in Alberta's climate.
What to Plant in Alberta
Cold-Hardy Crops (plant early)
These crops tolerate frost and can be planted 2-6 weeks before your last frost date.
30-60 days from sowing
55-70 days from sowing
60-80 days from sowing
50-70 days from sowing
55-80 days from transplant
35-50 days from sowing
20-35 days from sowing
July-August the following year
90-120 days from transplant
70-120 days from planting
50-70 days from sowing
50-60 days from sowing
Warm-Season Crops (plant after last frost)
Start these indoors and transplant after all frost danger has passed.
60-85 days from transplant
60-90 days from transplant
50-65 days from sowing
50-65 days from sowing
45-60 days from sowing
60-100 days from sowing
30-60 days from sowing
Get Exact Planting Dates for Alberta
Enter your city's frost date and get precise seed starting, transplant, and harvest dates for 50+ vegetables — free.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the last frost date in Alberta?
Last frost dates in Alberta vary by city: Calgary (May 23), Edmonton (May 7), Lethbridge (May 17), Red Deer (May 25).
What hardiness zones are in Alberta?
Alberta spans hardiness zones 1a-4b. Your specific zone determines which perennials survive winter and when to start planting annuals.
What vegetables grow best in Alberta?
Hardy crops like peas, kale, spinach, and garlic thrive across Alberta. In warmer zones, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers do well with proper timing. Use our free calculator for exact planting dates.
How long is the growing season in Alberta?
90-130 frost-free days depending on location. Extend your season with cold frames, row covers, and indoor seed starting.
Planting Dates by Province
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Frost Dates Canada
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Free Calculator
Calculate exact planting dates based on your location and frost dates.